Q   g 


10 


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,    60131 
GLEANINGS 


From  the  Records  of  the 


Boston  Marine  Society, 


Through  its  First  Century, 


1742  TO  1842, 


Compiled  by  NatNl  Spooner. 


BOSTON: 

Published   by   the   Society. 

1879. 


wJL 


Wr 


BOSTOW  OOtLfiQC  UBRAl^r 
CHESTNOT  H4LU  NiASa. 


Press  of   C.   W.   Calkins  &  Co. 
Boston. 


Records 

of  the 

Boston    Marine    Society. 


THE  following  pages  contain  an  abridged  account 
of  the  Boston  Marine  Society  through  its  first 
hundred  years  of  efl:brt,  trial,  and  success,  gathered  from 
the  Records.  Only  items  of  the  greatest  probable  interest 
have  been  reproduced.  In  all  such,  the  original  con- 
struction and  orthography  of  the  sentences  have  been  pre- 
served as  literally  as  possible.  The' work  has  been,  from 
its  nature,  slow  and  tedious,  but  if  in  its  result  it  awakens 
in  the  members  or  others  a  greater  interest  in  the 
Society,  all  that  was  sought  w^ill  have  been  accomplished. 

The  first  book  of  records  is  marked  No.  i,  and  on  its 
first  few  pages  is  a  list  of  members'  names,  w^ith  dates 
attached,  commencing  in  June,  1742,  and  reaching  to 
June,  17S8.  There  have  been  some  alterations  and 
interlineations,  and  the  dates  are  somew^hat  confused. 
It  is  proper  to  state  here,  that  from  1742  to  1751,  inclu- 
sive, the  old  style,  in  which  the  year  began  on  the  25th 
of  March,  was  kept  up.  In  1752  the  new^  style  was 
adopted. 

From  the  records,  and  a  printed  list  of  names  pub- 
lished wdth  the   laws  of  the  Society,   coming  down   to 


4  Records  of  the  Bosto7i  Marine  Society. 

1769,  we  learn  that  Wm.  Starkey  was  first  on  the  list, 
his  time  of  entry,  June  9th,  1742;  Edward  Cahill  and 
Isaac  Freeman  signed  25th  October,  following.  Rich'd 
Humphreys  and  Edward  Freyer,  24th  Nov.,  and  for 
the  rest  of  the  year  we  have  Moses  Bennet,  Jonathan 
Clarke,  John  Cullum,  Joseph  Prince,  and  Abraham 
Remmick, — in  all,  ten  members  the  first  year.  Malachy 
Salter  and  four  others  appear  to  have  joined  in  1743.  In 
1744  but  two  members  joined,  and  in  1745  but  three  ; 
none  in  1746,  and  in  1747  ^^^  tw^o,  so  that  at  first  start- 
ing very  slight  headway  was  made.  Innovations  seem 
to  have  been  as  great  bugbears  then  as  now. 

The  list  of  names  and  dates  continues,  as  stated,  to 
June,  1 788,  when  it  abrubtly  stops,  and  after  several 
blank  leaves,  we  find  written,  "  Here  Followeth  the 
Transactions  of  the  Fellowship  Club  began  7th  Jany. 
1752,"  showing  the  foregoing  list  w^as  kept  up  long  after 
the  organization  of  the  Club. 

The  first  entry  is  as  follow:  "Voted  the  7th  Jan ry. 
1752  That  Capt.  Jonathan  Clark  be  Regulator  for  the 
year  ensuing." 

"Voted  also  this  7th  Janry.  1752  that  Capt.  Wm. 
Starkey  be  paid  out  of  the  Box  Twenty-one  pounds  Ten 
shillings  Old  Tenor,  being  all  the  Cash  at  present  in  the 
Box  &  that  he  shall  be  Relieved  further  according  to  the 
Abilty  of  the  Box  &  that  the  present  Clerk  G.  Tidmarsh 
Forw^ard  the  same  to  him  at  Newbury  his  Dwelling 
place,  &  that  the  said  G.  Tidmarsh  Write  him  a  letter 
on  ye  same  in  Behalf  of  the  Society."  At  this  meeting 
seventeen  members  are  reported  present,  thirty-six  mem- 
bers absent,  showing  their  whole  number  at  that  time 
fifty-three. 


Reco7'ds  of  the  Boston?  MariJie  Society.  5 

At  the  next  meeting,  4th  February,  1752,  the  only  min- 
ute of  proceedings  found  is  as  follows:  "Voted  Capt. 
Isaac  Freeman,  Joshua  Loring.  Joseph  Prince  are  Chose 
a  Committee  to  Wait  on  the  Widow  Sarah  Salter,  Relict 
of  Jona.  Salter  &  make  a  report  to  the  next  monthly 
Meeting."  At  this  meeting  t\venty-one  members  ^vere 
present.  At  the  meeting  of  3d  March,  17=52,  a  commit- 
tee of  five  ^vas  appointed  "  to  Revie^v  the  Articles  & 
Votes  &  prepare  for  the  press  Ne^v  Articles  to  be 
Reprinted  &  lay  the  Same  before  this  Society  at  their 
Next  ^Sleeting,"  etc.,  and  at  the  next  meeting,  on  the 
5th  April,  it  was  "Voted  that  the  Articles  with  the 
Amendments  Made  by  the  Committee  Chosen  last  month 
for  the  same  purpose  be  Reprinted  &  Charged  to  the 
Society  with  all  the  Members  Names  on  the  Back." 

On  the  5th  May,  1752,  we  have  the  first  evidence  that 
the  Club  had  any  funds  as  such,  when  it  was  "  Voted 
that  Fra.  Wells.  Esqr.  Capt.  Jona.  Clarke  &  Giles 
Tidmarsh,  Inform  Mr.  Abiel  Richardson  that  the 
Society  have  Order'd  them  to  Notify  him  they  Expect  he 
pays  his  Bond  to  the  Society  as  soon  as  it  becomes  due, 
if  not  thev  are  herebv  Directed  he  shall  be  Sued  to  the 
Next  July  Court."  But  at  the  next  meeting,  on  the  2nd 
June,  we  find  it  "  Voted,  That  as  Mr.  Abiel  Richardson 
as  been  v^-aited  upon  &  Informed  of  the  Above  Vote  by 
the  Persons  appointed  the  Above  Vote  to  be  Void  &  the 
Money  Yet  to  Remain  with  him  upon  his  Giving  a 
Further  Collaturall  Security  Such  as  the  Persons  Viz. 
Fra.  Wells  Esqr.  &  Jona.  Clarke  &  Giles  Tidmarsh  shall 
think  sufficient  for  the  Bond  already  Given  &  he  to  have 
What  more  Money  the  Company  shall  have  to  Let  to  the 
Amount  of  One  Thousand  pound  Old  Tenor  Including 


6  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

the  Sum  already  Lent  to  the  said  Abiel  Richardson." 
So  it  appears  the  threat  of  suing  Mr.  Richardson  was 
only  a  bit  of  harmless  clap-trap  to  bring  him  to  terms. 

On  the  3d  October,  1752,  it  was  "Voted  this  Night 
that  the  Next  Meeting  be  at  Mr.  Bourrough's  the  Crown 
Tavern,"  this  being  the  first  mention  of  any  place  where 
the  meetings  were  held. 

At  the  meeting  of  7th  November,  1752,  it  was  "Voted 
the  8  following  persons  be  a  Com'ittee  from  this  Society 
to  prefer  a  petition  to  the  Genl.  Court  of  this  province 
that  this  Society  be  made  a  Corporation,  viz.  Jona.  Clarke, 
Joseph  Prince,  Fra.  Wells  Esqr.  Joshua  Loring,  Isaac 
Freeman,  Thos.  Aston,  Giles  Tidmarsh,  Wm.  Coffin." 
Written  on  the  margin  beside  this  list,  "  N  B  before  the 
Court  sits."  "  Added  4th  Septr.  '53  to  the  Above  Com- 
mittee, L.  Turner,  Jona.  Snelling,  Richd.  Humphreys, 
Jona.  Collomb."  "Added  4th  Deer.  1753,  Andrew 
Craig,  Joseph  Dummet." 

On  the  5th  December,  1752,  "Voted  that  the  Bill  Ex- 
hibited by  Jeremiah  Gridley  Esqr.  this  Evening  &  filed 
be  presented  to  the  Generall  Court  for  the  Societys  being 
Incorporated  be  accepted  by  the  Society  &  preferred 
accordingly  to  the  Genl.  Court  for  the.  Obtaining  a  Char- 
ter from  this  Government." 

At  the  meeting  of  2nd  January,  1753,  "Voted  this 
Night  that  Capt.  Joseph  Prince  be  Regulator  to  this 
Societv  for  the  Year  Ensuins;."  "Voted  also  that  all  the 
Money  the  Society  has  Now  in  Stock  be  Let  Out  as  soon 
as  possible  to  Mr.  Abiel  Richardson  with  the  Interest 
Money  now  due  on  Mr.  Richardson's  Bond,  the  sd. 
Richardson  Getting  two  sufficient  Bondsmen  for  the 
Same,  by  the  former  Committee,  Fra  Wells,  Esqr.,  Jona. 


Records  of  the  Boston  JSIarine   Society.  7 

Clarke,  Giles  Tidmarsh."  Mr.  Richardson,  it  seems, 
was  now  in  high  favor,  however  much  he  might  have 
been  mistrusted  formerly. 

On  the  6th  February,  1753,  it  was  voted,  "That  a 
Standing  Committee  of,  5  Members  of  this  Society  be 
Appointed  by  this  Society  to  Relieve  any  person  belong- 
ing to  it  that  shall  be  in  any  Immediate  Necessity  in  the 
Interim  of  the  Societys  Monthly  Meetings  &  that  they 
Give  an  Account  to  the  Said  Society  of  their  Actions 
to  Eveng.  &  the  next  Monthly  Meeting  following  viz. 
Joseph  Prince  &  four  others." 

The  6th  March,  1753,  finds  the  vote  recorded  "That 
Mr.  Giles  Tidmarsh" — who  seems  to  have  acted  as 
Clerk  or  Secretary  from  the  first, — ' '  Return'd  Francis 
Foxcraft  Esqr.  thanks  for  the  Society  For  his  Gift  in  Reg- 
istering Abiel  Richardsons  mortgage  Free  of  Charge." 

On  the  7th  of  August,  1753,  it  was  voted  "  That  the 
Society^  be  Warnd  for  the  Future  by  printed  Tickets  for 
their  Monthly  Meetings  &  that  the  present  Clark  Giles 
Tidmarsh  is  hereby  Directed  to  Get  the  Same  printed 
at  the  Societys  Charge." 

The  4th  September,  1753,  it  was  voted  that  "  Capt. 
Joshua  Loring  Wait  on  His  Excellencey  Govr.  Shirley 
to  congratulate  him  on  his  Arrivall  &  knov^^  When  the 
Society  shall  Wait  on  him  to  Inform  him  of  our  Societys 
Design  to  Wait  on  him  to  Favor  our  Design  &  Desire  of 
being  Incorporated  &  pi'ay  his  Favour  for  the  Saine." 
"  Voted  for  Officers  that  the  Society  have  Master,  Depy. 
Master,  Treasurer,  Clerk.  Voted  also  that  every  person 
appearing  to  become  a  Member  of  this  Society  shall 
W^ithdraw  out  of  the  Company  While  the  Vote  for  him 
is  passed." 


8  Records  of  the  Boston  ]SIari7ie   Society. 

At  the  meeting  held  4th  December,  1753,  we  find  this 
minute  : 

''Voted,  this  4th  December  1753,  that  Jona.  Clark, 
Jos.  Prince,  Fras.  Wells,  Esq.,  Joshua  Loring,  Isaac 
Freeman,  Thos.  Auston,  G.  Tidmarsh,  Wm.  Coffin, 
Lewis  Turner,  Jona.  Snelling,  A.  Craig,  Joseph  Dom- 
mett.  Wait  on  the  Gov.  and  Sign  the  Petition  of  this 
Society  for  being  incorporated." 

'•  Voted,  also,  that  every  member  of  this  Society 
upon  his  arrival  from  Sea  give  in  to  this  Society  to  be 
recorded,  his  observations  on  the  Variations  of  the 
Needle,  the  Soundings,  Courses,  Distances,  and  all 
other  things  remarkable  upon  this  Coast,  and  that  it 
be  inserted  in  the  Petition  of  this  Society  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  and  be  read  at  every  meeting  of  this 
Society." 

Also,  "Voted  .£20  be  paid  to  Sarah  Salter,  Jere. 
Salters  Widow,  Voted  also  that  Cap.  Joseph  Prince 
and  Capt.  Mathew  West  lay  out  the  Said  £20  as  they 
shall  think  best  for  her  advantage." 

"Voted  that  Capt  Edmund  Morton  be  according  to 
his  own  Desire  voted  out  of  this  Society  and  accordingly 
he  is  hereby  voted  out." 

On  the  2nd  February,  1754?  the  vSociety  was  incorpo- 
rated, as  we  are  informed  in  very  large  letters,  "  by  the 
Name  of  the  Marine  Society  by  William  Shirley  Esqr. 
Govr.  of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New 
England,"  and  by  a  memorandum  note  we  are  in- 
formed "  the  said  Charter  was  Read  to  the  Society 
ye  5th  February  1754."  At  the  same  meeting  sev- 
eral rules  were  adopted  for  the  government  of  the 
Society,  and  Giles  Tidmarsh,  Clerk  ;  Jonathan  Clarke, 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society.  9 

Master ;  Joshua  Loring,  Deputy  Master ;  Jonathan 
Snelling,  Treasurer,  were  elected  to  serve  in  their 
several  capacities  the  ensuing  year.  Five  members 
\vere  appointed  to  "Examine  and  adjust  the  min- 
utes of  observations  upon  the  Coast"  etc.,  and  it  was 
voted  "  That  Jeremiah  Gridley  be  Presented  with  the 
freedom  of  this  Society  for  his  Good  Services  to  the 
said  Society."  What  those  "good  services"  were, 
does  not  appear. 

At  this  same  meeting  of  5th  February,  1754,  a  com- 
mittee consisting  of  Isaac  Freeman,  Jere.  Gridley, 
Esq.,  Jona.  Snelling,  Giles  Tidmarsh,  Lewis  Turner, 
were  appointed  "  a  Committee  To  devise  a  Seal  for  the 
Society  and  make  a  Report  to  ye  Society  ye  next  Tues- 
day Ensuing,"  then  after  a  vote  as  to  all  members,  on 
arrival  from  sea,  furnishing  information  as  to  variation 
of  the  needle,  soundings,  courses,  etc.,  it  was  voted 
"  That  the  four  officers  named  in  the  Charter  Join'd  by 
Isaac  Freeman,  Wm.  Coffin,  Thomas  Auston,  John 
Bradford  &  VVm.  Patten  be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  his 
Excellency  William  Shirley  Esqr  and  return  him  the 
thanks  of  the  Society  for  his  Favour  in  Granting  us  a 
Charter  &  Pray  his  Favour  in  recommending  it  To  his 
Majesty  and  ministry  at  home."  Another  committee 
was  appointed  to  "  Revise,  Correct  and  add  to  the  Old 
Rules  of  the  fellow^ship  Club  such  Rules  as  they  shall 
think  to  the  advantage  of  the  Society  and  lay  before  the 
Society  for  their  approbation."  It  was  likewise  voted, 
"  That  the  Clerk  of  the  Society  Pay  J.  Willard  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Province  for  his  Good  Services  &  Engross- 
ing ye  Charter  for  this  Society  two  Guineas  and  three 
Dollars  to  Each  of  his  Clerks." 


lo  Records  of  the  Boston  Alar  hie  Society. 

After  this  we  find  a  copy  of  the  Charter  occupying 
several  pages,  and  on  the  26th  February,  1754,  it  was 
voted  "  That  the  Silver  Seal  cut  by  Mr.  Nathaniel  Hurd 
and  now  presented  to  the  Society  by  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  representing  a  Ship  arriving  at 
the  light  House  from  a  storm  and  the  Sun  breaking  out 
of  the  Clouds  with  the  Inscription  Marine  Society  at 
Boston  in  New  England  A  D  1754  be  the  Seal  of  this 
Society."  Then  follows  a  vote  that  "  the  draught  of  the 
Laws  presented  this  day  by  Jeremiah  Gridley  Esqr  be 
accepted "  and  another  appointing  a  Committee  to 
relieve  any  necessitous  member  at  intervals  between  the 
monthly  meetings.  Then  several  rules  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Society  were  adopted  by  vote,  among  others, 
one  that,  "  one  Shilling  Sterling  be  paid  to  the  Clerk  for 
every  Instrument  that  the  Seal  of  the  Society  be  affixed 
to,  excepting  when  the  Freedom  of  the  Society  is  vol- 
untarily presented." 

After  this  follows  the  "  Laws,"  which  are  the  original 
of  our  present  By-Laws,  the  latter  having  been  modified 
as  time  and  experience  have  suggested.  Among  other 
provisions  is  one  that  "such  Member  or  Members  as 
shall  go  a  Voyage  to  sea  and  shall  Return  Successfull, 
without  being  Cast  away,  taken  by  the  Enemy  or  meet- 
ing with  any  other  Misfortune  shall  pay  Sixpence  Sterlg 
into  the  Box  for  the  use  of  the  Society  for  each  and 
every  month  that  he  shall  have  been  absent."  In  case 
of  the  exceptions  provided  for,  such  payment  is  not  de- 
manded. Among  other  provisions  is  one  against  playing 
"  of  Cards,  dice  or  any  other  Gaming  whatsoever  as  it  is 
probable  the  same  may  be  of  Damage  to  themselves  or 
some  other  of  the  Society  who  may  be  Ingaged  in  play," 


Reco7'ds  of  the  Bostoii  Marine  Society.  1 1 

"That  the  Society  shall  &  will  Avoid  all  Qiiarrells, 
Fighting,  Chalenging  each  other  to  fight  &  all  Needless 
Contentions  and  debates,  that  may  tend  to  Create  any 
fighting  or  Qiiarrelling "  etc.,  "and  in  Case  two  or 
more  of  the  Society  shall  happen  to  quarrell  or  begin  a 
Qiiarrell  they  shall  Immediately  be  put  out  of  the  Com- 
pany for  that  meeting  in  order  to  avoid  making  the  Rest 
of  the  Company  Uneasy,  or  encouraging  them  to  enter 
into  a  generall  Qiiarrell."  Other  regulations  are  made  for 
proper  discipline  of  the  Society,  and  Wardens  appointed 
for  Marblehead,  Nantucket,  Newbury,  and  Plvmouth, 
whose  duties  were  to  "Negotiate  any  Business"  that 
"might  happen"  in  these  several  places,  they  evidently 
then  filling  more  responsible  posititions  than  now.  The 
next  matter  of  interest  is  a  letter  to  Capt  Malachy  Salter, 
Boston,  March  3rd,  1754,  and  is  as  follows: 

"  Sr  :  —  Providence  has  been  so  favourable  to  the 
late  fellowship  Clubb  now  by  Charter  from  this  Gov- 
ernment Establisht  bv  the  name  of  the  Marine  So- 
ciety 2  February  1754,  by  which  ^ve  are  Incorpo- 
rated into  a  Body  Politick  in  numbers  89  among 
whom  is  your  name  Enrolled  to  Aye,  on  which  give 
me  leave  to  Congratulate  you,  the  Society  is  now 
in  high  Esteem  &  we  have  now  no  less  than  ten  mem- 
bers waiting  to  Enter  the  next  Tuesday.  The  En- 
trance is  now  made  Two  Dollars,  the  Society  in  order 
to  Obtain  this  Charter  have  laid  themselves  under 
an  obligation  to  the  Governmt.  that  every  Member  of 
this  Society  shall  Render  in  to  the  vSociety  his  observa- 
tions on  the  Coast  Relating  to  the  Variation  of  the 
needle,  Courses  and  Distances  of  Capes,  Soundings  on 
Banks  &c.,  &  all  other  thinsfs  Remarkable  to  be  Given 


12  Records  of  the  Bostoji  Ma7'i7ie  Society. 

into  the  Society  &  Examin'd  by  a  Committee  appointed 
by  the  Society  for  that  purpose,  and  after  Examination 
to  be  put  upon  the  Records  of  the  Marine  Society  so 
that  in  time  a  new  and  Correct  Draught  of  this  Coast 
may  be  made  for  the  advantage  of  the  PubHck.  Going 
through  this  affair  has  Cost  the  Society  all  thee  Money 
the}'  Got  in.  Stock  Last  Year  but  the  advantages  we 
hope  will  in  a  little  time  Ballance  the  Charge,  we  have 
got  in  to  our  Society  Capt.  William  Patten  of  this  Town 
Grocer  who  with  Capt.  Bedgood  &  Deacon  Boutineau 
has  been  Improved  by  the  admiralty  for  all  Surveys  &c 
which  has  amounted  to  iCiooo-Old  Tenor  pr  Annum 
w^e  hope  Quickly  to  have  that  Privilege  Center  with 
our  Society  the  Judge  having  given  us  already  Expecta- 
tion of  it  some  time  ago  as  soon  as  the  Old  men  now 
Employ'd  should  Drop  off.  our  Present  Stock  is  now 
about  ^£900  Old  Tenor  &  had  not  this  Charge  Accrued 
would  have  been  iCiooo  this  year.  I  hope  you  will 
Excuse  my  Detail  of  this  affair  as  I  flatter  myself  you 
Still  Retain  a  Good  opinion  of  the  Society  as  your  past 
actions  Manifest.  Excuse  me  3'et  a  little  further  and 
Give  me  leave  to  inform  you  of  the  Present  ofliicers  of 
the  Society  Chose  according  to  Charter  viz  Johna. 
Clark  Master,  Joshua  Loring  Deputy  Master,  Johnathan 
Snelling  Treasurer,  Giles  Tidmarsh  Clerk,  Wardens 
Viz  Andrew  Craigee  Jona.  Cowley  for  the  port  of 
Boston,  Isaac  Freeman  for  Marblehead,  Christr.  Gard- 
ner Nantucket,  Jna.  Jones  Newbery,  Richard  Waite 
Plymouth.  I  find  your  Monthly  dues  from  5  June  1751 
&  your  Favom-  would  be  of  Service  to  the  Society. 
I  also  here  Inclose  you  an  Impression  in  Wax  from  the 
Seal  of  the   Societv.  &  as   soon  as   the   New  Laws   are 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marijie   Society.  13 

printed  which  are  going  l.o  the  Press  shall  remit  you 
them — May  Health  &  Success  attend  you  &  your  Family 
In  the  name  of  the  Marine  Society  Yr.  H.  Seryt.  Giles 
Tidmarsh,  Clerk." 

These  Suryeyors,  as  Mr.  Tidmarsh  expresses  it,  being 
"  got  into  the  Society,"  is  no  doubt  full  explanation  of 
ho\y  the  Society  first  had  appointment  of  the  Port 
Wardens;  and  the  anxiety  manifested  that  "the  Old 
men  now  Employ'd  should  Drop  off,"  shows  that 
human  nature  in  1754  did  not  differ  much  from  himian 
nature  in  1879. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  here  to  say,  that  there  seems, 
from  the  records,  no  good  ground  for  the  laudation 
bestowed  on  Capt.  Wm.  Starkey-  in  the  sketch  of  the 
Society  now  giyen  in  the  By-Law^s.  His  time  of  entry 
bears  the  earliest  date,  the  9th  of  June,  1742,  but  there 
is  no  othei'  entry  till  the  25th  of  October  following. 
His  name  appears  first  in  the  Charter,  to  be  sure,  and 
the  first  for  relief,  but  excepting  at  two  of  the  meetings 
when  he  is  among  the  list  of  "  absent^''  it  is  not  found, 
after  yery  diligent  search.  Nor  does  he  appear  to  haye 
held  any  office,  or  been  on  any  Committee.  The  state- 
ments made  in  the  sketch  referred  to  may  be  strictly 
accurate,  but  the  ground  for  them  is  not  in  the  records. 

The  next  entry  of  importance  is  as  follows:  "A 
List  of  Members  Dw^ellers  &  Residents  in  the  Town 
of  Boston  Rendered  into  the  Admiralty  Office  this 
15th  April  1754  out  of  which  List,  Suryeyors  are 
to  be  Appointed.  Jona.  Clark,  Jona.  Cowley,  Job 
Prince,  Jobeph  Dummett,  Thos.  Auston,  Wm.  Coffin, 
Andr.  Craige,  Jona.  Snelling,  Wm.  Pattin,  Nicho. 
Ferretter." 


14  Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society. 

On  the  7th  May  following  it  was  voted,  "that  the 
Sixpence  Sterling  or  5s  Old  Tenor  fine  for  being  Absent 
at  the  jNIonthly  Meetings  be  for  the  Future  Appropriated 
to  the  Discharge  of  the  Societys  Monthly  Expenses." 

No  item  of  special  interest  now  appears  till  the  1st 
October,  1754,  when  it  was  voted,  "That  a  Committee 
be  Chosen  and  Appointed  In  the  name  of  the  Marine 
Society  to  Inquire  and  Engage  a  room  which  shall  be 
Convenient  without  being  Intenupted  (as  has  been 
always  the  case)  for  the  future  meetings  of  this  Society'." 
and  Coffin,  Hew^es,  Patten,  Tucker  and  Craige  w'ere 
accordingly  appointed. 

The  "  Annuall  Meeting  in  Nov.  1754  was  held  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  Joseph  Ballard,"  officers  were  chosen  and 
the  first  "  Committee  of  Relief"  appointed,  consisting 
of  five  members.  This  meeting  was  adjourned  till  the 
19th  of  the  same  month,  when  it  was  "Voted  that  £2 
Lawfull  money  be  given  to  Elizabeth  Salter  the  Widow 
of  Johnathan  Salter,  and  that  the  Committee  of  Relief 
la}'  it  out  in  Wood  and  Pork  and  send  her."  It  w^as 
likewise  "  Voted  that  Capt.  Roger  Passmore  having 
been  Notified  to  make  his  appearance  to  give  his 
Reasons  for  his  not  meeting  the  Society  and  paying  his 
arrears,  and  did  not,  the  Society  accordingly  Disfran- 
chized him." 

At  the  March  meeting  in  i7SS^  ^^'^  ^\\d^  this  memoran- 
dum :  "No  Collection  it  being  so  Stormy  the  Members 
could  not  attend."  It  appears  now  and  for  a  long  time 
after,  5s  w'as  jDaid  by  members  present  at  each  meeting, 
with  arrearages  if  they  had  been  absent  at  former  ones. 

No  matter  worthy  of  note  till  the  "Annuall  Meeting" 
in  November,   1755,  wdiich  was  ''held  at  the  house  of 


Records  of  the  Boston  jSIarhie   Society.  IK^ 

Mr.  Stephen  Deblois."  Officers  for  the  ensuing  year 
were  chosen,  and  a  resohition  passed  that  absent 
members  be  notified  to  "give  their  reasons  for  their 
non  appearance." 

On  February  3d,  17565  the  Society  meeting  was  held 
"at  Concert  Hall,"  and  voted  a  "Committee  of  the  fol- 
lowing members  be  a  Comtt.  to  wait  on  the  Governour 
to  Compliment  him  on  his  return  to  his  Government." 

The  names  of  nine  members  forming  the  Comn:iittee 
follow.  Next  in  interest  is  the  following:  "On  the 
29th  May  1756  William  Ballon  Esqr.  Agent  of  this 
Province  Avrote  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, that  the  Act  of  the  Province  upon  Vv'hich  the 
Charter  of  this  Society  is  founded  had  passed  his  Majes- 
ties Approbation." 

At  a  meeting  on  January  4th,  1757,  it  was  "Voted 
That  ^vhereas  the  Sum  of  Three  pounds  was  order'd  to 
be  paid  to  Elizabeth  Rand  by  the  Treasr.  last  meeting 
but  on  information  that  said  Eliz.  Rand  would  make  a 
bad  use  of  the  Money  the  Treasurer  having  inform'd 
the  Society  that  there  still  remained  in  his  hands  thirty- 
Six  Shillings  Voted  the  36s  be  appropriated  to  the  use 
and  benefit  of  the  Children  of  said  Rand." 

The  meetings  appear  no^v  to  have  been  held  with 
regularity,  and  relief  given  to  needy  persons  according 
to  circumstances,  officers  chosen,  etc.,  but  nothing  of 
moment  till,  at  a  meeting  held  at  Concert  Hall  on  the  4th 
September.  1759,  it  was  "Voted  that  Capt.  Danl.  McCar- 
thys Observation  on  St.  Georges  Bank  be  Recorded 
in  this  Book  and  that  the  Society  Return  him  their 
thanks  for  the  same"  and  "Voted  that  CajDt.  Daniell 
McCarthys    obsen'ations    be    Printed     in    each    of    the 


1 6  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

Papers  of  Publick  news,  as  a  Publick  Benefit  at  the 
Expense  of  the  Societys  money."  Thus  showing  at  that 
early  day,  with  their  limited  means,  they  did  not  hesitate 
to  expend  such  amounts  as  might  seem  for  their  interest 
or  the  "Publick"  good. 

At  a  meeting  at  Concert  Hall,  December  4th,  17^9, 
"-  Voted  that  the  Petition  of  Mrs.  Rand  be  Dismis'd  she 
not  being  a  Proper  Object  of  Charity. 

The  4th  March,  1760,  at  Concert  Hall,  "Voted  that 
the  Committee  for  Supply"  —  probably  relief —  "  visit 
Mrs.  Agnes  Gordon  and  give  her  what   they  think   fit." 

The  Society  seems  to  have  met  so  far,  from  time  to 
time,  at  private  houses.  Concert  Hall,  and  on  December 
2d,  1760,  at  the  British  Coftee  House.  On  February  3d, 
1761,  at  this  place  it  was  voted  "That  Mr.  John  Leach 
School  Master  of  Boston  shall  be  a  Member  of  the 
Marine  Society,  On  the  following  Conditions  That  he 
shall  from  Time  to  Time,  as  the  Society  shall  have  occa- 
sion Record  what  remarks  that  shall  be  delivered  to  him 
hy  said  Society  for  that  purpose,  Also  to  make  all  Plans 
&  Views  fair  and  clear  in  the  Book,  as  from  time  to 
Time  shall  be  requested,  for  which  he  shall  be 
Exempted  of  all  charges  but  his  Charity  money,  which 
he  is  to  pay,  to  say  six  pence  Sterling  money  per  month 
and  Two  Dollars  at  his  Entrance  —  which  Two  Dollars 
we  Allow  him  for  a  plan  of  The  Isle  of  Sables  now  in 
the  Book  of  records." 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  held  at  the  British  Coftee 
House  3d  November,  1761,  officers  were  chosen,  and  it 
was  among  other  things,  "  Voted  that  Every  New  Mem- 
ber pay  to  this  Society  Twenty  shillings  lawful  after  this 
night."      * 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society,  17 

~-  These  are  about  all  the  items  of  interest  in  Volume 
No.  I,  of  sufficient  importance  to  preserve,  or  rather  to 
reproduce.  Several  leaves  are  cut  or  torn  out  from  the 
latter  part  of  this  volume,  which  may  or  may  not  have 
been  of  value.  A  condensed  summary  of  the  entire  con- 
tents remaining  is  carried  into  the  next  volume  of 
Records  marked  A,  and  the  first  new^  entry  following 
bears  date  3d  November,  1762,  when  the  annual  meeting 
was  held  at  the  British  Coffee  House.  This  has  only 
the  list  of  officers  chosen  for  the  year,  of  which  Benj. 
Hallowell  Esqr.  was  Master,  Wjti.  D.  Cheever,  Deputy 
Master,  Samuel  Hews,  Treasurer,  and  John  Leach, 
Clerk. 

At  the  meeting  January  4th,  1763,  fourteen  members 
present,  it  was  voted,  "That  each  member  of  the  Society 
have  a  Certificate  signed  by  the  Master  or  Dp}-^  Master 
certifying  his  admittance  &c  If  he  requires  it."  "That 
each  Certificate  have  the  Society s  Seal  affixed,  and  that 
the  Clerk  have  half  a  pistareen  for  each  Certificate." 
Under  the  same  entry,  date  of  April  5th,  it  was  voted, 
"That  the  Certificates  be  printed, and  executed." 

November  ist,  1763,  the  meeting  was  held  at  the 
British  Coffee  House,  35  members  present.  The  same 
four  principal  officers'  names  appear  with  this  statement : 
"Leaf  of  the  Old  Book  on  which  was  the  transactions 
of  the  meeting  in  November  is  torn  out  &  gone,  conse- 
quently could  not  find  out  who  the  other  officers  where." 

On  April  3d,  1764,  ten  members  were  present,  and 
Mungo  Mackay,  who  aftervs^ards  became  a  rather  im- 
portant member,  was  voted  into  the  Society.  Dates  seem 
to  be  somewhat  mixed,  but  under  this  same  heading, 
on  April  5th,  1762,  it  was  voted,  "That  the  Schooling 


1 8  Records  of  the  Bostoii  Mar  hi  c  Society. 

of  CajDt.  James'   Child  be  paid   amtng  to  £4   13s  Old 
Tenor,  agreeable  to  the  petition  of  his  Wife." 

June  5th,  1764,  voted  "The  Compliments  of  this 
Society  to  J.  F.  Wm  De  Ranes  Esqr  his  majestys  Engi- 
neer at  Halifax  &  to  assist  him  with  all  the  Knowledge 
of  this  Coast  that  we  know."  Voted  Clarke,  Prince, 
Cheevers  and  Hatch,  '•'a  Committee  to  write  a  letter  to 
W  des  Ranes,  now  surveying  No.  Coast  of  America"  and 
voted  "The  said  Des  Ranes  a  member  of  this  Society." 

January  ist,  1765,  voted  "that  A.  Craigie,  J.  Prince, 
W.  D.  Cheever  and  J.  Homer,  wait  on  Jereh.  Gridley 
Esqr,  to  present  a  petition  to  the  Genrl  Court,  to  ob- 
tain Liberty  to  errect  a  Light  House  on  Nantuckett." 

November  4th,  1766,  Forty-two  members  present  at 
the  British  Coftee  House,  it  was  "Voted,  That  the 
Treasurer  see  all  the  arrears  paid  and  no  money  Let  till 
further  orders."  December  3d,  1766,  "Capt  Job  Prince 
offers  the  use  of  his  Vessel  Gratis  to  go  on  a  survey  for 
Two  months."  Voted  "The  thanks  of  the  Society  to 
Capt  J.  Prince  &  accept  of  his  offer  &  ne^vt  may  will 
send  her  for  that  purpose." 

July  6th,  176S,  seventeen  members  present.  "Whereas 
the  Marine  Society  has  been  applyd  to  by  a  Committee 
from  the  General  Court  to  take  a  surve}'  of  Plymouth 
Harbour  in  order  to  give  directions  for  Sailing  in  and 
oiit  by  a  new  Light  House,  which  is  to  be  erected  there. 
Voted  that  Job  Prince,  Moses  Bennett,  Thos.  Allen, 
Wm.  Vernon,  Members  of  this  Society  go  on  said  ser- 
vice and  if  they  are  not  allowed  by  the  Court  for  their 
Expenses  Their  case  shall  be  laid  before  the  Society  at 
the  Annual  meeting  in  order  for  payment.  N  B 
Those  Gentn.  that  are  appointed   and   cannot  go  are  at 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.  19 

liberty  to  chuse  any  of  the  members  that  will  go."  AX. 
the  November  meeting,  1768,  it  was  voted  that  ''  the 
Society  remove  their  meetings  from  the  British  Coffee 
House  to  the  House  of  Capt.  Win.  Rhoads,"  and  voted 
''That  the  sum  of  £19  17s  6d  O  Tenor  be  appropri- 
ated to  release  the  Waiter  from  prison."  It  does  not 
appear  for  ^vhat  purpose  the  waiter  was  imprisoned,  but 
certainly  does  appear  as  if  the  Society  was  not  so  chary 
of  expenditure  as  it  has  since  become.  The  British 
Coffee  House  was  upon  King  Street,  now  State,  and 
according  to  Drake,  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the 
marble  building  No.  66  State  Street. 

Under  a  "Record  of  Monthly  Votes  from  Novr.  G'^)  to 
Novr.  69"  we  find  as  follows:  ist,  "Never  to  propose 
the  removal  of  the  Marine  Society  from  one  House  to 
another  but  on  the  Annual  meeting,  and  then  two  of  the 
principal  Ofiicers  of  the  Society  present,  unless  upon 
some  Emergency  or  unexpected  Turn  of  Affairs,  such 
as  111  treatment,  bad  attendance  or  any  other  impedi- 
ment not  agreeable  to  ye  Gentlemen." 

4th,  "To  admit  some  worthy -gentleman  a  member 
who  is  well  acquaintedwith  the  Law,  in  particular  the 
•Laws  of  the  province,  and  have  a  vote  in  the  Society 
That  for  his  Advice  he  shall  be  free  from  the  Societys 
Expences." 

6th,  "That  the  Three  principal  Officers  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  wait  on  Mr.  Adams  and  invite  him  to  be  a 
member  of  this  Society."  What  Mr.  Adams,  does  not 
show,  but  probably  John  Adams,  the  future  President 
of  the  United  States. 

8th,  "That  the  Master  write  a  letter  to  the  present 
Husband   of  the  Wife,   which  was  the  Wife   of  Capt. 


20  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society. 

Wm.  Starkey   deed,   to  know  if  he  will   pay  his  Wifes 
former  Husbands  x\rrears,  that  is  due  to  the  Society." 

December  6th,  1798,  voted  ••  That  all  the  Charges  on 
the  Plymouth  Survey  be  paid  out  of  the  Box,  amount- 
ing to  Thirteen  pounds  fifteen  shillings  3  pence  La\vful 
money  —  to  be  pd  Capt.  Job  Prince,  and  upon  the 
General  Court  reimbursing  the  money  the  same  to  be 
again  put  in  the  Box." 

From  time  to  time  relief  is  voted  to  needy  members 
or  their  families.  They  seem  to  have  soon  tired  of 
meeting  at  private  houses,  for  on  the  4th  April,  1769, 
onlv  five  months  after  leavinof  the  British  Cofi:ee  House, 
and  in  non-accordance  with  their  vote  then  passed,  it  is 
voted  ' '  That  the  Society  removes  their  meetings  from 
Capt.  Willm.  Rhoads  to  the  British  Cofi:ee  House  the 
next  meeting." 

October  3d,  1769,  it  was  voted,  that  three  more  "be 
added  to  the  former  Committee  to  See  to  the  forward- 
ing of  Capt.  Blakes  picture,"  but  as  no  previous  no- 
tice on  the  subject  is  to  be  found,  we  are  left  at  a 
loss  to  know  what  circumstances  attended  it  or  what 
the  picture  was. 

December  5th,  1769,  voted  "That  from  this  present* 
time,  every  person  who  becomes  a  member  of  this  Soci- 
ety shall  pay  one  Guinea  for  his  Entrance." 

March  6th,  1770,  it  appears  "By  a  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  to  Collect  the  Arrears  calling  on  Capt. 
Potts,  it  was  his  desire,  he  said  to  be  Voted  out  of  the 
Society,  for  neither  he  nor  his  Heirs  shall  want  any 
Benefit  from  the  Society,  and  as  to  what  he  had  paid  in, 
the  Society  where  welcome  to  ;  Voted  accordingly  that 
Capt.  Potts  be  no  longer  a  Alember." 


Records  of  the  Boston  Alarine   Society.  21 

April  3d,  177O7  "  ^  Committee  was  appointed  to  wait 
on  Capt.  John  Blake,  for  the  purpose  of  having  his  pic- 
ture drawn,"  which  is  somewhat  explanatory  of  the 
"picture"  recently  alluded  to,  and  at  the  meeting  of 
May  ist,  we  find  "  the  Treasurer  Capt.  Wm.  Mackay 
reed  of  Capt.  John  Blake  Thirty-Six  pounds  L.  My,  on 
account  of  a  donation  ])y  said  Blake  to  the  Society," 
thus  telling  us  the  whole  story.  At  this  meeting  it  was 
voted  ''  That  on  the  Death  of  any  member  of  this  Soci- 
ety, If  the  members  present  in  Town  do  not  attend  his 
Funeral,  they  shall  pay  a  fine  of  one  shilling  sterling 
for  the  Benefit  of  the  Society,  unless  a  reasonable 
excuse  be  given." 

September  4th,  1770,  the  "  Treasurer  reed  of  Capt. 
John  Blake  Twelve  pounds  L.  M.  on  account  of  his 
Donation,"  and  on  the  2d  October  follow^ing,  another 
'"  Twelve  pounds"  on  the  same  account.  On  February 
5th,  177^5  '^  further  sum  of  ''Twelve  pounds"  from 
Capt.  Blake  is  acknowledged. 

Various  notices  occur  at  the  meetings,  that  delin- 
quent members  be  stirred  up,  and  be  sued  for  their 
arrearages  unless  paid,  though  no  such  action  appears 
to  have  been  taken.  Officers  are  re-elected  or  new 
ones  chosen,  and  relief  to  the  needy  voted,  at  almost 
every  meeting.  We  find  likewise  it  v\^as  a  common 
occurrence,  when  new  members  w^ere  proposed,  to 
suspend  the  rules,  and  vote  them  in  at  the  time,  if 
they  were  about  going  to  sea,  or  if  there  was  other 
reason  for  immediate  action.  Votes  were  taken  often 
as  to  the  investment  and  disposal  of  the  Society's 
funds.  Most  of  the  funds  seem  to  have  been  let  on 
mortgage. 


32  Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society. 

On  November  5th,  1771,  the  annual  meeting,  a  further 
donation  from  Capt.  Blake  of  £12  is  acknowledged. 
On  the  3d  December,  1771,  their  account  showed  .£755 
17s  lod  at  interest,  and  on  hand  £78  4s  6|d,  in  all 
£834  28  4|d  At  the  meeting  June  ist,  1773,  a 
Committee  was  appointed  ''  to  wait  on  the  General 
Court  with  a  memorial  of  the  disbursements  expended 
by  the  Society  on  the  Survey  of  Pl3-mouth  Harbour  for 
the  purpose  of  erecting  a  Light  House." 

At  the  annual  meeting  held  at  the  British  Coffee 
House,  2d  November,  1773,  it  was  voted  that  Prince, 
Cobb,  Blake,  Hopkins,  and  Jarvis,  "Be  a  Committee  to 
look  out  for  a  House  that  will  be  convenient  for  the 
Marine  Society  to  purchase,  and  make  a  report  next 
meeting,"  showing  at  that  early  day  the  desire  \vas  con- 
ceived which  is  still  held  in  gestation. 

December  7th,  1773,  "  That  ]Mr.  Romans  draught  to 
the  Southwd"  — probably  of  this  coast  southward  from 
here  —  "  is  w^orthy  of  recommendation."  No  report  is 
recorded  of  the  Committee  on  purchase  of  a  house,  but 
at  the  meeting  of  5th  February,  1775,  a  Committee  of  six, 
including  four  of  the  former  Committee,  was  voted,  "  to 
look  out  for  a  suitable  House  to  purchase  for  the  Marine 
Society  situated  any  way  between  the  Mill  Bridge  and 
the  Old  South  Meeting  House  or  between  Consort" 
Concert?  "Hall  and  this  place  (the  British  Coffee 
House)  and  make  report  next  meeting."  At  the  meet- 
ing held  21  st  February  this  Committee  report  *•  That 
they  have  attended  to  that  business  and  found  one  situ- 
ated at  the  South  Side  of  the  Town  House,  suitable  as 
they  think  for  the  Society  —  and  their  report  was 
received."     A  Committee  of  seven  was  then  appointed 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.  33 

••  with  full  power  to  purchase  the  said  House  provided 
they  do  not  exceed  Five  hundred  pounds  Sterling,"  and 
on  yth  ]March,  177s.  thev  report,  ''That  the  price  of  the 
House  is  so  high  they  have  not  as  yet  purchased."  sho\v- 
ing  ive  stand  now  where  they  did  then.  On  5th  April, 
1775.  this  record  is  made,  "  none  present  but  the 
Clerk." 

No  meetings  were  held  from  November,  i775'»  to 
November,  1776,  at  wdiich  time  the  annual  meeting  was 
again  held  at  the  British  Coftee  House.  This  remiss- 
ness on  the  part  of  members  seems  to  have  stimulated 
them  to  action  on  the  matter,  for  we  find  they  then  voted, 
"  That  the  Clerk  asfree  in  the  most  reasonablest  manner 
^vith  some  Printer,  to  strike  oft^  one  Thousand  notifica- 
tions to  \varn  the  members  to  all  proper  meetings."  At 
the  same  meetins^  thev  voted,  "  That  the  Clerk  be 
authorized  to  hire  a  Waiter  to  attend  occasionally  for 
five  shilling's  each  time." 

At  the  Annual  Meeting,  November,  1777,  a  Commit- 
tee of  Henderson  Inches,  Job  Prince,  William  Mackay, 
were  chosen  "  to  purchase  a  House  as  soon  as  they  can 
and  make  a  report  of  the  amount  they  Pay  for  the 
same." 

Relief  to  the  necessitous,  foregoing  the  arrears  of 
members  unable  to  pav,  and  stirring  up  the  delinquent 
ones,  are  the  only  matters  mentioned,  to  3d  Februar}-, 
1778,  when  it  was  voted  "  That  the  Society  remove  to 
some  private  House  in  order  to  save  expenses,"  and 
voted,  "  That  at  each  Meeting  the  Room,  Fireing  and 
Candles  be  paid  by  the  Society,  and  the  Liquors  be  paid 
by  the  members  present,  at  each  meeting."  Likewise 
voted.  "  That  our  next  meeting  be   at  Mrs.   Claphams." 


24  Records  of  the  Boston  Mai'ine  Society. 

March  yth,  177S?  "The  Committee  appointed  to  pur- 
chase a  House  make  report  that  they  have  not  been  able 
to  procure  one  agreeable  to  Vote."  "  Therefore  Voted 
That  all  the  paper  money  in  the  Treasurers  hands 
(except  Fifty  pounds)  be  Let  on  Continental  or  State 
Security  as  soon  as  it  can  possibly  be  done." 

The  Annual  Meeting  for  1778  was  held  at  Mrs.  Clap- 
ham's,  and  after  the  choice  of  officers,  and  other  business 
was  finished,  it  was  voted,  "  That  the  Society  do  dine  at 
Mrs.  Cambells  next  Tuesday  —  Dinner  at  2  O'clock." 
This  is,  Vk^e  believe,  the  first  mention  of  "  Dinner ; " 
what  they  styled  their  previous  entertainments  does  not 
appear,  though  they  unquestionably  had  them.  At  the 
Annual  Meeting,  November,  1779,  it  was  voted,  that 
"  The  Society  dine  together  at  the  American  Coffee 
House  on  Wednesday  next."  May  2d,  1780,  a  vote  was 
passed,  "  That  each  Member  pay  Seven  pounds  Ten 
Shillings  to  defray  the  expends  now  due  by  the  Society 
to  Mrs.  Clapham  for  Firing,  Candles  &  Room  for  the 
Winter  past,  and  what  may  be  over  shall  remain  in 
Stock  for  the  expends  the  Society  shall  be  at  in  future," 
and  voted,  "  The  Waiter  in  future  be  paid  Nine  pounds." 
It  is  probable  this  was  "  old  Tenor"  money,  though  not 
so  stated,  which  was  at  90  per  cent,  discount,  that  is,  a 
pound  was  worth  two  shillings  sterling  or  hard  money. 

At  the  Annual  Meeting,  November,  1780,  held  at  Mrs. 
Clapham's,  it  was  "  Voted  on  the  petition  of  Mary  Har- 
per Widow  of  Capt.  Wm.  King,  that  the  Committee  of 
Relief  wait  on  her  and  enquire  into  her  circumstances 
and  should  they  find  her  an  Object  of  Charity  agreeable 
to  sd  petition  that  they  do  order  her  immediate  Relief 
by  any  Sum   not  exceeding  Ten  Hard  Dollars."      Here 


.    Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.  25 

we  see  the  money  of  the  country  changing  from  pounds 
to  dollars. 

A  Committee  having  been  appointed  in  1783  to  revise 
the  "Laws  of  the  Society,"  it  ^vas  voted  at  a  meeting, 
7th  January,  17S3,  "That  the  above  Committee  be  & 
they  are  hereby  directed  to  bring  in  their  Report  at  the 
next  monthlv  meeting  &  that  the  Clerk  specially  notify 
every  member  in  Boston  to  attend  as  very  special 
business  relative  to  the  Laws  and  the  Essential  Interest 
of  the  Society  is  to  be  debated  &  determined  on." 

At  the  meeting  on  February  4th,  1783,  among  other 
matters  it  was  voted,  "That  a  Committee  of  Five 
Members  be  appointed  to  prepare  an  emblematic  print, 
and  to  agree  with  some  engraver  to  cut  the  same  on 
Copper  together  with  a  Certificate  to  be  signed  by  the 
Master  and  Countersigned  by  the  Clerk  respecting  the 
admition  of  members  —  The  expence  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  General  Stock."  The  revised  laws  were  similar  in 
intent  and  meaning  to  those  at  present  in  use. 

March  4th,  17S3,  "Whereas  Capt.  Robert  Robbins 
has  sent  w^ord  to  the  Society  that  he  does  not  wish  to 
receive  any  assistance  from,  or  to  lend  any  to  the  Society, 
Therefore  Voted  That  he  be  dismissed." 

At  the  meeting  of  3d  June,  1783,  held  at  Mrs.  Clap- 
ham's  it  was  voted,  "That  Mr.  Tudor  be  desired  to 
draught  a  petition  to  the  General  Court  now^  sitting, 
offering  our  service  in  the  Choice  of  pilots  &  care  of  the 
Lights,  similar  to  that  already  presented"  —  of  which 
there  is  no  record  —  "w^ith  this  difference,  that  w^e  will 
give  our  time  for  one  year  gratis."  The  Mr.  Tudor  here 
mentioned  is  subsequently  spoken  of  as  Judge  Tudor, 
and  appears  to  have  been  the  legal  adviser  of  the  Society. 


26  Records  of  the  Bostoii  Marine  Society. 

April  5th,  17S5,  voted  that  "the  Treasurer  vSettle 
with  Mr.  Brimmer  for  a  Ten  pound  Note  as  it  was 
Consolidated  which  sd  Brimmer  overpaid  to  the  late 
Treasurer,  being  the  j^roperty  of  Henderson  Inches 
deceased." 

At  the  October  meeting,  1785,  a  petition  was  received 
"from  Masters  &  Mates  of  vessels  belong-ing:  to  this 
State,"  though  it  does  not  appear  on  \vhat  subject ;  it  was 
referred  to  a  Committee  with  instructions  "to  consult 
with  Mr.  Tudor  on  the  Business." 

October  3rd,  1786,  "The  Treasurer  laid  before  the 
Society  the  following  extract 'from  the  Will  of  the  Late 
Hon.  John  Erving  Escp-.  '  I  give  &  bequeath  to  the 
Marine  Societv  in  Boston  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor 
Widows  and  Children  of  distressed  Seamen,  the  sum 
of  Fifty  pounds  Sterling  or  Five  hundred  pounds  old 
Tenor.'  And  also  informing  the  Societv  that  the  Execu- 
tors of  sd  Will  stood  readv  to  discharge  sd  Legacy 
immediatelv." 

Voted  ^-That  the  above  extract  be  recorded  in  the 
oooks  of  the  Societv.  that  the  members  gratefully  receive 
the  same  to  be  appropriated  agreeably  to  the  Litentions 
of  the  generous  donor  and  that  the  thanks  of  the  Society- 
be  given  to  his  Excellenc}'  Governor  Bowdoin,  Wm. 
Erving  &  Oliver  Wendall  Esqrs.  Exectrs.  of  sd  Will  for 
their  promptitude  to  pa^■  the  same  &  Capt.  Patten  the 
Treasurer  communicate  this  vote  to  sd  Exectrs.  &  give 
a  ret.  to  them  for  the  monev  when  paid,  in  discharge 
of  the  Legacv  aforesaid." 

This  appears  to  be  the  first  legacy  to  the  Society. 

November  7th,  1786,  another  Committee  is  appointed, 
"to  look   out  for  a   suitable   House  for  the   Societv  to 


Recoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Mar  me   Society.  2^ 

purchase  and  make  report  as  soon  as  possible."  Ax.  the 
same  meeting  it  was  voted  that  "a  Dinner  be  provided 
on  Wednesday  next  the  15th  inst.  at  the  American 
Coftee  House  *  *  *  ^  ^^^  ^  \\^q.  members 
of  the  Society  that  are  in  Town  desired  to  attend." 
A  Committee  of  five  was  appointed  to  '•'manage  the 
same,"  ''And  also  to  invite  such  Gentlemen  to  the  Feast 
as  they  may  think  proper." 

January  2nd,  1787,  Ave  find  this  record  :  "  The  Revd. 
Mr.  Clarke,  Doer.  Warren,  &  Doer.  Dexter,  a  Com- 
mittee from  the  Humane  Society  being  introduced,  Com- 
municated the  desig-n  of  sd  Societv  to  erect  Three  Huts 
in  such  most  exposed  Parts  in  &  adjacent  to  the  Har- 
bour of  Boston,  for  the  preservation  of  such  unfortunate 
persons  as  may  be  Shipwrecked  on  the  Shore  within 
or  near  sd  Harbour,  likewise  a  request  that  this  Society 
Avould  be  so  kind  as  to  point  out  the  most  eligible  Situa- 
tions for  placing  such  proposed  Huts,  and  also  that  they 
should  be  much  obliged  to  this  Society  for  any  further 
Communications  on  the  Subject  as  may  conduce  most 
eftectually  to  ansvv^er  the  purpose- intended."  "Which 
Communication  being  taken  into  Consideration,"  voted, 
"That  this  Societv  being  in  a  degree  the  Representative 
of  the  Maritime  part  of  the  Community,  feel  a  very  warm 
Sense  of  the  Benevolent  design  of  the  Humane  Society 
&  return  their  most  cordial  thanks  for  their  truly 
Humane  attention  to  so  exposed  &  valuable  a  part  of  the 
Citizens  of  the  State,  as  the  Seamen  most  certainly  are. 
And  the  members  of  this  Society  will  Avith  great  cheer- 
fulness contribute  anv  Aid  &  information  in  their  Line  to 
advance  so  good  a  design."  Voted,  "That  the  Opinion 
of  this  Society  is,  That  the  most  Eligible  places  to  Erect 


28  Records  of  the  Boston  Mari?ze  Society. 

said  huts  are,  one  on  Marshiield  Beach,  one  on  the 
Beach  back  of  Nantasket,  &  one  on  Lovells  Island,  and 
in  case  the  Humane  Society  thinks  proper  to  Erect  a 
fourth.  That  it  should  be  on  Lynn  Beach." 

February  6th,  1787.  "The  petition  of  Capt.  Phillip 
Bass  not  being  agreeable  to  the  Society,"  therefore, 
"Voted,  That  not  any  notice  be  taken  of  it."  Certainly 
brief  and  to  the  point. 

November  6th,  1787,  the  Society  met  at  the  Bunch 
of  Grapes  Tavern,  so  far  as  appears,  for  the  first  time. 
This  \vas  then  at  the  corner  of  King  Street  and  Mack- 
arel  Lane,  noyv"  corner  of  State  and  Kilby  Streets,  the 
New  England  Bank  building  occupying  the  ground 
where  the  Tavern  then  stood.  No  matters  of  impor- 
tance appear  for  several  meetings.  March  4th,  1788, 
at  the  Bunch  of  Grapes,  it  was  voted,  "to  dispose  of 
the  Land  at  Framingham  in  a  legal  manner  and  to 
the  best  advantage  possible."  This  had  been  secured 
to  the  Society  by  Mortgage,  for  money  loaned.  It  was 
likewise  voted  at  this  meeting,  "to  employ  a  person 
to  set  the  Marine  Societys  Books  in  a  proper  and 
regular   manner." 

May  6th,  1788,  at  the  Bunch  of  Grapes.  "Whereas 
it  has  been  represented  to  this  Society  that  the  post 
Master  would  allow  one  penny  Sterling  for  each  Letter 
Avhich  may  arrive  from  Sea  into  this  Port  on  its  being 
brought  to  his  office,  and  a  fund  might  be  raised  from 
which  great  Benefits  might  Accrue  to  the  Society  should 
a  person  be  appointed  to  Collect  the  Letters  which  may 
arrive  into  this  Port  from  Sea.  Therefore  Voted,  Capt. 
Mungo  Mackay,  James  Magee,  Samuel  Dunn  be  a 
Committee    to    appoint    some    suitable     person    of    the 


Records  of  tJie  Bostoii  Marine   Society.  29 

Society  or  else^vhere  to  receive  and  collect  all  Letters 
and  to  convey  the  same  to  the  post  Master  and  take  his 
Receipt,  and  that  they  make  such  terms  with  the  person 
so  ap^Dointed  as  will  best  carry  the  Designs  of  the 
Society  into  Execution.'"'  Wm.  Erving,  Esq.  and  Capt. 
Samuel  Dunn,  jr..  were  "added  to  the  Committee 
appointed  to  prepare  a  Copper  plate  for  the  Society,  as 
proposed  by  their  Vote,  Febrv.  3rd,  1783,  and  that  they 
be  Directed  to  carry  said  Vote  into  immediate  Execu- 
tion." Upon  the  petition  of  Capt.  James  Kirkwood, 
the  sum  of  two  pounds,  t^vo  shillings,  was  voted  to 
"pay  his  Landlord,"  if  the  same  \vas  found  to  be  due. 
This  same  James  Kirk\vood  appears  to  have  attended 
and  ^vaited  on  the  Society  at  the  meetings  about  this 
time . 

September  2nd,  178S.  T^vo  hundred  letters  in  legal 
form  given  by  Wm.  Tudor,  Esqr.,  ^vere  ordered  to  be 
printed,  for  the  purpose  of  reminding  delinquent  mem- 
bers of  their  obligations.  October  7th.  17S8,  voted, 
"That  Capt.  John  Callahan  be  authorized  to  receive  the 
ballance  of  those  Members  ^vhich  are  in  London  who 
are  in  arrearages  to  this  Society  as  he  ^vill  have  a  Letter 
with  their  accts.  &  his  Receipt  shall  be  their  Discharge." 
These  ^vere  probably  members  before  the  Revolution, 
^vho  had  gone  home  to  the  ]\fother  country. 

"  The  Committee  appointed  to  form  a  design  of  an 
Engraving  for  a  Certificate  to  Xe^v  Members,  Report 
one.  on  ^vhich.  Resolved,  The  said  Committee  be 
authorized  and  directed  to  compleat  the  same,  making 
such  alterations  as  they  think  proper,  and  they  agree 
with  some  Eng-raver  to  ensfrave  it.  and  to  have  it  done  as 
soon  as  Possible." 


30  Records  of  the  Bosto7i  Mari7ie  Society. 

At  the  Annual  Meeting,  in  November,  1788,  assist- 
ance in  a  very  wordy  manner  was  rendered  the  Widow 
North.  The  Treasurer  was  "  Empowered  to  Execute  a 
legal  Deed  of  the  Societys  Land  in  Framingham  to 
Anne  Johnson  compl3dng  with  the  Terms  of  purchase 
agreed  upon  by  the  Committee."  Twenty  dollars  was 
voted  to  Capt.  Welsh  "as  Clerk  to  the  Society."  A 
Committee  was  appointed  "  to  agree  for  a  Dinner,"  and 
it  was  voted  that  "  the  above  Committee  invite  three  of 
the  Clerg}'  to  dine  with  the  Society  on  Wednesday  next." 

At  this  date,  the  Society  appears  to  have  had  in  land, 
sundry  loans,  and  investments.  JC1377  3s  3d,  and  the 
Treasurer,  Nathaniel  Patten,  had  cash  on  hand  £96  7s 
5d,  in  all,  £1473  9s  8d.  At  the  December  meeting  a 
committee  was  appointed,  "to  settle  the  Debt  due  from 
Capt.  Job  Prince  on  the  best  terms  and  Conditions  that 
Circumstances  will  admit  of,  either  by  Compounding  the 
Debt  or  Otherwise,  as  they  shall  think  most  for  the 
Interest  of  the  Society." 

At  the  meeting  January  6th,  1789,  at  the  Bunch  of 
Grapes,  it  was  voted,  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
"to  dispose  of,  and  Execute  a  Deed  of  the  Societies 
Land  in  Little  Cambridge." 

February  3d,  1789.  "The  Impression  of  a  Copper 
plate  for  a  Certificate  of  Members  was  laid  before  the 
Society  and  it  being  represented  that  a  Number  of  Mem- 
bers would  go  to  Sea  before  the  next  Meeting,"  voted, 
"  That  the  Committee  appointed  to  agree  for  the  Plate 
with  Mr.  Callender  have  a  Number  of  Impressions 
directly  struck  oft'  and  delivered  to  the  Master,  who  is 
requested  to  Sign  the  same.  Countersigned  by  the  Clerk 
and  delivered  to  all  such  Members  as  desire  them." 


Records  of  the  Boston  JIarlne   Society.  31 

At  the  meeting,  March  3d,  ft  was  voted  "That  the 
Secretary  be  directed  to  discharge  Mr.  Callenders  Bill 
for  Engraving  a  Plate  for  the  Society."  This  appears  to 
show  conclusively,  that  the  copper  plate  engraved  for 
the  certificate  was  not  done  in  England,  as  has  been 
thought  by  some  to  be  the  case. 

In  May,  1789,  it  was  voted,  "  That  the  Portrait  paint- 
ing of  Capt.  John  Blake,  be  delivered  to  the  President 
who  w^ill  take  Charge  of  it  for  the  Society."  It  would 
be  curious  to  know  \vhat  has  become  of  this  "  Portrait 
painting,"  and  the  idea  suggests  itself,  if  none  of  the 
present  members,  especially  the  Ex-Presidents,  may  not 
be  induced  to  give  a  "  Portrait  painting,"  or  at  least  a 
large  sized  photograph  of  themselves  to  the  Society,  to 
help  adorn  and  beautify  the  room  .^ 

At  this  meeting  it  was  voted,  "  That  a  Committee  be 
appointed  to  Communicate  to  the  different  Marine  Soci- 
eties in  Salem  and  Newbury  Port,  the  intention  of  this 
Society  to  Survey  Georges  Banks  and  Nantucket  Shoals, 
and  request  their  Assistance  in  Carrying  the  Design  into 
execution."  One  cannot  fail  to  "notice  what  a  favorite 
\vord  "  Execution"  has  become  of  late  with  our  worthy 
ancestors. 

At  the  next  meeting,  in  June,  the  matter  assumes  a 
somew^hat  different  phase,  for  we  find  it  then  voted, 
"  That  a  Committee  be  now  appointed  to  write  to  the 
Marine  Societys  at  Salem  and  Newbury  on  the  Propri- 
ety of  representing  to  the  General  Court  the  Dangers 
Attending  Trade  and  Navigation  from  the  incorrect 
Drafts  of  St  Georges  Bank  and  Nantucket  Shoals,  and 
to  request  that  Measures  may  be  taken  the  ensuing  year 
to  effect  a  Survey,  and  in  Case  they  shall  approve  of  this 


32  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

Plan,  that  this  Committee  in  conjunction  with  Such  as 
the  Other  Societies  may  appoint,  j^resent  a  ^Memorial 
for  the  purpose." 

At  the  meeting  of  August  30!,  1789,  "  a  Motion  was 
made  to  appoint  a  Committee  to  examine  into  the 
Merits  of  Mr.  Burgis's  intended  publication  of  improve- 
ments upon  the  Seamans  Daily  Assistant  and  if  found 
w^orthy  the  Attention  of  the  Society  to  report  accor- 
dingly, and  the  question  being  put  it  passed  in  the 
Negative,  as  Mr.  Burgis  has  produced  no  Recommend- 
ation of  his  Character  and  Scientific  Abilities  w^hich 
are  Necessary  before  this  Society  can  w^ith  Propriety 
attend  to  applications  of  the  kind  stated  in  Mr.  Burgis's 
Letter." 

"A  Printed  Advertisement  signed  Bartholomew  Bur- 
gis being  read,  in  which  Appears  the  following  clause, 
viz,  '  That  His  Charts  of  the  coast  of  America  would  be 
approved  of  and  signed  by  a  Member  of  the  Marine 
Society  before  delivered,' "  which  being  considered, 
thereujDon  voted,  "  That  the  said  Mr.  Burgis  had  no 
authority  for  inserting  such  a  clause  in  his  advertisement, 
he  being  altogether  unknown  to  this  Society,  and  that 
this  Resolution  be  published."  The  Society  evidently 
did  not  mean  to  be  trifled  w4th  by  Mr.  Burgis,  or  any 
other  man,  in  those  days. 

Sad  to  say,  at  the  October  meeting,  this  year,  John 
Blake,  who  gave  the  "Portrait  painting"  in  May,  peti- 
tions for  relief,  and  "Twenty  dollars"  is  voted  for  that 
purpose.  Truly,  judging  from  the  records,  there  was 
full  as  much  unthrift  among  the  master  mariners  then, 
as  now,  and  the  rolling  stones  of  that  day  gathered  no 
more  moss  than  at  the  present. 


Records  of  the  Boston   ^larine   Society.  33 

At  this  meeting  they  appointed  a  Committee  to 
consider  a  letter  of  Mr.  Matthew  Clark,  ''  respecting 
a  Sett  of  drafts  of  the  Coast  intended  to  be  published 
by  him,  and  that  they  examine  said  drafts  and  report 
what  shall  in  their  opinion  be  proper  to  be  done  by 
the  Society." 

The  Annual  ^Meeting,  November,  1789,  was  held  at 
the  Bunch  of  Grapes  :  officers  for  the  ensuing  ^xar  Avere 
chosen.  It  was  voted,  and  a  Committee  appointed,  in 
"  Case  of  Accident  happening  to  the  Treasurer  "  —  "to 
take  the  effects  &  money  into  their  o^vn  hands  &  account 
Avith  the  Society  for  the  Same."  It  was  also  voted, 
••  That  Capts.  Dunn,  Hatch,  Deblois,  Jones  and 
Ho^ves  be  recommended  to  the  Hon  Jons.  Lowell  Esqr 
Judge  of  this  district  to  be  Sui*\^eyors,  for  the  Port  of 
Boston,  and  that  a  Copy  of  this  Vote  be  presented  him 
for  his  approbation." 

A  Committee  of  Tudor,  Mackay,  Dunn,  Deblois,  & 
Cabot  ^vas  appointed  "to  answer  the  Letter  from  the 
Treasurer  of  the  United  States,  &  to  give  him  such 
information  as  shall  conduce  to  the  publick  Benefit." 
A  committee  was  appointed  "to  agree  for  a  Dinner" 
and  to  "  invite  three  of  the  Clergy  to  dine  w^ith  the 
Societ}'.  Viz,  Revd.  Joseph  Eckley,  Revel.  Jere.  Belknap 
&Revd.  Jno.  Clark." 

At  the  meeting  held  on  ist  December,  1789,  a  fur- 
ther vote  as  to  bringing  more  pressure  to  bear  on  delin- 
quent members,  ^vas  passed.  Another,  with  reference 
to  •  •  the  petition  of  Mathew  Clark  respecting  Bathol- 
omcAV  Burgis'  Charts  of  the  American  Coast."  "The 
Presdnt  having  informed  the  Society  that  the  Comis- 
sary  General   had   recjuested   the   advice  of  the   Society 


34  Records  of  the  Boston  Marme  Society. 

respecting  the  fixing  of  the  Beacon  in  the  lower  har- 
bour," a  committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with 
him,  '•'provided  he  appHes  in  writing  for  their  advice 
and  assistance." 

Further,  "  As  it  appears  to  the  Society  that  his  Excel- 
lency John  Adams  Esqr.  Vice-President  of  the  United 
States  was  admitted  a  member  of  this  Society  in 
November  17SS  Voted,  That  the  Secretary  fill  up  a 
Certificate  agreeable  to  that  date  &  forward  it  to  the 
Vice-President."  It  was  also  Voted,  "That  the  Com- 
mittee that  was  appointed  to  answer  the  letter  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  be  a  Committee  to  wait  on 
Gen.  Lincoln  &  inform  him  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Society  respecting  Light  houses.  Boys  &c."  probably 
buoys. 

January  5th,  1790,  at  the  Bunch  of  Grapes,  the 
Society,  under  certain  conditions,  authorize  Mr.  Osgood 
Carlton  "Teacher  of  the  Mathematicks,"  to  examine 
and  sanction  the  charts  of  Bartholomew  Burgis  "before 
they  are  offered  for  sale." 

Few  of  the  meetings  found  a  quorum  until  6th  July, 
1790,  wdien,  at  the  Bunch  of  Grapes  Tavern,  twenty 
Members  were  present.  It  is  then  recorded  that,  "The 
President  having  informed  the  Society  of  the  decease 
of  Capt,  Nathl.  Pattin  Treasurer  Voted  That  the 
Society  w^ill  attend  the  funeral  in  Procession  from  his 
late  dwelling  house  in  Roxbury,  and  that  carriages  be 
provided  for  the  members  at  the  expense  of  the  Society, 
&  that  Capt.  Prince,  Jones  &  Williams  be  a  Committee 
to  provide  the  Carriages." 

Then  comes  the  following  "Letter  to  the  President 
of  the  Marine  Society  from  Capt.  James  Magee." 


Recoi'ds  of  the  Bostoji  Mai'ine  Society.  35 

Sir  :  —  I  have  the  honor  through  vou  to  present  to  the 

Honorable  Marine  Society,  two  Bowls  &  two  Pitchers, 

which  vou  Avill  please  to  present  them  in  my  name,  and 

you  \vill  much  oblige, 

your  Humb.  Servt., 

James   Magee. 
N.   B.  —  The     Seal    of    the     Society    o-ot    melted    in 
passing  through  the  warm  Lattitudes  &  was  not  in  my 
power  to  have  it  put  on  the  Bowls. 

'•The  President  having  communicated  to  the  Society 
the  above  Letter,  It  was  voted  unanimously,  That  Capt. 
Mungo  Mackay,  Capt.  Samuel  Dunn  &  Cap.  James 
Prince  be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  Capt.  James  Magee 
and  to  acquaint  him  in  the  name  of  the  Society,  that 
they  not  only  with  pleasure  accept  the  polite  and 
elegant  present  made  them  this  evening,  but  that  they 
feel  particularly  gratified  by  the  affectionate  &  friendly 
manner  in  which  this  testimony  of  his  esteem  for  this 
Society  was  communicated,  &  the  Master  is  requested 
to  take  charge  of  the  Present  &  to  have  a  box  provided 
to  keep  them  in." 

While  referring  to  Capt.  Magee,  it  may  not  be  amiss 
to  state,  that  on  the  old  Burial  Hill  at  Plymouth  is  a 
stone  on  ^vhich  is  inscribed  : 

"  In  memory  of  Seventy-two  Seamen,  who  perished 
in  Plymouth  harbour  on  the  36th  and  37th  days  of  Deer. 
1778,  on  board  the  private  armed  Brig  Gen.  Arnold  of 
twenty  guns.  James  Magee  of  Boston  Commander, 
sixty  of  ^yhom  Avere  buried  in  this  spot. 

' '  This  monument  marks  the  resting  place  of  sixty  of 
the   seventy-two   mariners  v^dio   perished   in   their   strife 


56  Records  of  the  Bosto7i  Marine  Society. 

with    the    storm,    and    is    erected   by    Stephen    Gale    of 

Portland,  Maine,  a  stranger  to  them,  as  a  just  memorial 

of  their  sufferings  and  death. 

"  Capt.  James  Magee   died   in   Roxbury,  Febry  4th, 

I  So  I,  aged  51   years. 

"  Oh  falsely  flattering  were  jou  billows  smooth, 
When  forth  elated,  sailed  in  evil  hour. 
That  vessel,  whose  disastrous  fate  when  told, 
Filled  every  breast  with  sorrow,  and  each  eye  with 
piteous  tears." 

At  the  meeting  September  7th,  1790,  it  was  proposed 
that  Mr.  Osgood  Carlton,  the  "Teacher  of  the  Mathe- 
maticks,"  referred  to  a  few  meetings  back,  be  a  member 
of  the  Society.  October  i3th,  1790,  "A  letter  Avas  laid 
before  the  Society  by  its  President  from  Genl  Lincoln 
respecting  the  building  a  Cutter  for  the  protection  of 
the  Trade,  Voted  That  Capt.  M.  Mackay,  Thos  Russell, 
Capt.  Cro^vell  Hatch,  Capt.  J.  F.  Williams  &  Capt. 
Tristram  Barnard  be  a  Committee  to  report  the  dimen- 
sions of  a  vessell  suitable  for  the  purpose  &  to  reply  to 
Genl  Lincolns  letter." 

"The  Committee  reported  that  the  President  return 
the  follo\ving  answer  : 

October  13th,  1790. 
Genl  Lincoln, 

Sir:  —  The  Marine  Society  met  last  evening 
at  ^vhich  time  I  laid  your  letter  before  them,  and  agree- 
able to  your  request  they  took  the  business  into 
immediate  consideration,  respecting  the  size  of  a  vessell 
suitable  to  protect  the  Trade  on  this  Coast  &  give  it 
as  their  opinion  the  dimensions  should  be  as  follows  : 
Fortv  eii^ht  feet  Keel,  Ei^'hteen  feet  Beam  &  seven  feet 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society.  ^yi 

hold,  makes  about  Sixty  three  Tons  &  be  rigged  a 
Schooner.  The  Marine  Society  will  always  be  ready 
to  aid  &  assist  the  Trade  so  as  to  promote  the  Gen. 
Good.     In  whose  behalf  I  am 

Yr  most  hum.  Servt, 

MuNGO   Mackay." 

"Voted  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  consider 
what  spot  of  grovmd  may  be  the  most  convenient  for 
the  erecting  a  Marine  Hospital,  the  kind  of  building 
that  will  be  most  convenient  &  its  expence,  also  to  make 
a  Calculation  of  the  annual  income  that  will  arise  from 
a  Small  Tax  on  Seamen  for  the  support  of  said  Hospital 
and  report  at  the  next  meeting." 

At  the  meeting  of  2d  November,  1790,  at  the  Bunch 
of  Grapes  Tavern,  we  read,  "The  Committee  appointed 
at  the  last  monthly  meeting  to  consider  what  spot  of 
ground  may  be  the  most  convenient  for  the  erecting  a 
Marine  Hospital  take  leave  to  report,  That  from  a 
variety  of  Considerations  they  are  of  opinion  that  some 
spot  of  the  Heights  of  Charlestown  East  of  the  Town 
is  the  most  eligible  situation  for  such  a  Building.  The 
remainder  of  their  Commission  they  beg  leave  to  defer 
until  they  obtain  further  information.  By  order  of 
Thos  Russell."  "Voted  That  the  Committee  be  further 
instructed  to  draw  a  petition  to  Congress,  setting  forth 
the  utility  of  a  Marine  Hospital  &  pointting  out  the 
means  of  supporting  one."  At  this  meeting  Gen. 
Lincoln  was  proposed  as  a  member,  the  rules  ^vere 
suspended,  and  he  was  voted  in  unanimously  and  at 
once.  The  rules  were  often  suspended  for  similar 
purpose,    and    there    seems    no    reason    v^^hy    the    same 


38  Rccoi'ds  of  the  jBoston  Mariiie   Society. 

should  not  be  done  now,  especially  in  the  case  of  an 
Honoraiy  member.  This  Gen.  Benjamin  Lincoln 
seems  to  have  been  a  man  of  position  and  influence. 
It  was  further  voted  '^  that  Capts  Bass,  Hayman,  Lyde, 
Sohier  and  Welsh,  Be  recommended  to  the  Hon.  J. 
Lowell  Esqr.  Judge  of  this  district  to  be  Surveyors 
for  the  Port  of  Boston,  &  recommend  that  12s  pr  day 
be  allowed  for  their  services,  provided  it  does  not  exceed 
a  day."  A  Committee  of  three  was  appointed  to  ""pro- 
vide a  Dinner  for  Tuesday  9th  inst,  and  to  invite  three 
of  the  Clergy  to  dine  with  the  Society  Rev.  Air.  Everett, 
Mr.  West  &"Mr.  Clark." 

January  4th,  1791,  "  The  Committee  on  the  subject  of 
the  Hospital  reported  a  petition  to  Congress  &  sundry 
letters  which  were  accepted  and  ordered  to  be  sent 
forward." 

February  ist,  1791,  it  was  "  Voted  That  the  Expence 
of  the  Evening  at  every  meeting  in  Febry,  May,  Augst 
&  Novr  shall  be  defray'd  from  the  funds  of  the  Society." 

August  3d,  1 79 1 7  the  receipt  is  ackno^vledged  of  a 
"Number  of  Sermons  preached  at  the  funeral  of  Mr. 
Johna.  Gardner,  from  the  Alarine  Society  at  Salem." 
Various  applications  appear,  from  time  to  time,  from 
men  wishing  to  be  appointed  Boston  pilots.  Some  are 
appointed,  and  others  dismissed  for  lack  of  sufficiept 
knowledge. 

February  7th,  1792,  "  Voted  that  a  Committee  be 
appointed  to  wait  on  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  to 
request  him  to  apply  to  Congress  that  a  Light  House 
may  be  Erected  on  some  ^Dart  of  Cape  Cod  &  that  the 
Committee  be  requested  to  give  to  the  Governor  their 
reasons  in  Writinsr  whv  a  Lio-ht  House  should  be  Erected 


Records  of  the  Boston   JSfai'ine   Society.  39 

on  Cape  Cod."  At  this  meeting,  amended  By-La^vs 
^vere  read  and  adopted.  In  general  tone  and  effect  the}' 
differ  in  small  degree  from  those  of  the  present  day.  A 
letter  ^vas  received  from  the  Marine  Society  of  Salem, 
asking  the  co-operation  of  this  Society  in  urging  Con- 
gress to  build  a  light-house  at  Cape  Cod,  to  which  repl}^ 
Avas  given,  "  that  this  Society  had  already  taken  action 
in  that  direction,  asking  the  Govenor  to  press  the  matter 
upon  Congress  and  inviting  the  Society  of  Salem  to  join 
with  this,  if  they  approved  such  effort." 

April  2d,  1792,  "A  Qriorum  not  being  present  and 
it  being  suggested  that  Mrs.  Knight  Relict  of  Thomas 
Knight  late  of  Boston  deceased,  wished  the  Interference 
of  the  Society  respecting  an  Execution  against  her  as 
Administratrix  on  the  Estate  of  said  Thomas  Knight,  by 
James  Prince  Administrator  on  the  Estate  of  Job  Prince 
deceased,  a  Debtor  to  this  Society,  it  was  Recommended 
that  Alexr  Hodgdon  &  Wm.  Scollay  be  a  Comnr it- 
tee  to  confer  wdth  Mrs.  Knight,  and  Capt.  James  Prince 
on  the  Business,  &  report  at  the  next  meeting."  This 
shows  that  at  that  time  the  Society  aided  its  members 
and  their  families  in  other  ways  than  by  pecuniary 
bounties.  At  the  May  meeting  the  Society  voted  to 
receive  the  assignment  of  this  debt  from  James  Prince, 
and  \vould  deduct  it  from  the  next  "  dividend  ordered 
by  the  Judge  of  Probate  to  be  paid  the  Societv  from  the 
Estate  he  represents." 

"  Capt.  Jona.  Foster  Williains,  presented  to  the  Soci- 
ety the  Result  of  sundry  Experiments  he  had  made,  to 
Extract  Fresh  Water  from  Salt,  with  a  plan  of  the  Appa- 
ratus made  use  of  by  him  for  the  same.  He  also  intro- 
duced the  various  kinds   of  Water   thus   Extracted  some 


40  Records  of  the  Boston   Alarine   Society. 

of  which  was  made  into  Punch  &  highly  agreeable,  as 
respected  taste  and  smell,  being  quite  pure.  It  was 
therefore  on  Motion  Unanimously  Voted  That  the 
Thanks  of  the  Society  be  given  to  Johna.  Foster  Williams 
Esqr  for  his  Communication  and  that  the  same  be 
Printed  in  the  Columbian  Centinel  &  Massachusets  Mag- 
azine for  the  advantage  of  our  Sea  faring  Brethren." 
The  difficulty  seems  then  to  have  been,  that  of  fresh 
water  for  the  punch,  now  it  is  the  other  essentials. 
Another  resolution  was  passed,  requesting  James  Prince 
to  let  up  on  his  demand  against  Mrs.  Knight,  and  offer- 
ing concessions  on  the  part  of  the  Society,  as  to  his 
indebtedness,  if  he  did  so. 

August  7th,  1792,  "  On  the  Petition  of  Capt.  Jno. 
Blake  praying  Relief,  Voted  that  the  Committee  of 
Relief  be  empovyered  to  procure  a  place  for  the  said  Jno. 
Blake  to  board  at,  the  expence  to  be  paid  by  the  Society, 
provided  it  is  agreeable  to  said  Blake  or  relieve  him  in 
any  other  way  at  their  discretion."  "  Voted  that  a  Com- 
mittee of  Five  be  appointed  to  write  a  Letter  to  Secretary 
Hamilton,  requesting  that  a  Buoy  or  Buoys  may  be 
placed  on  the  Harding  Rocks  &  elsewdiere,  as  they  shall 
think  proper  and  report." 

On  the  ist  November,  1792,  the  Society  appears  to 
have  had,  by  the  statements  of  Alexander  Hodgdon, 
Treasurer,  in  notes,  bonds,  and  securities  of  various 
kinds,  $7276.22,  and  a  further  amount  in  older  securities, 
representing  £215  7s  9d  sterling,  in  all,  about  $8300, 
estimating  the  pound  roughly  at  five  dollars.  At  the 
meeting,  ist  January,  1793 7  the  Secretar}'  was  voted 
"  Twenty  Dollars  in  addition  to  his  Salar}-,  for  his 
extraordinary  Services  the  Year  past." 


Records  of  the  Boston   Ma7'ine   Society.  41 

At  the  February  meeting,  on  the  "Petition  of  John 
Blake  praying  Relief,  Voted  that  he  be  put  to  Board  in 
the  Country  as  conducive  to  his  Comfort  as  well  as  the 
honor  of  this  Society,  upon  the  best  terms  the  Master 
can  obtain,  and  that  he  be  relieved  v^^ith  Fifteen  Dol- 
lars." The  question  naturally  suggests  itself  here,  if 
similar  modes  of  procedure  may  not  Occasionally  be 
judicious  and  humane  in  the  future?  "Further  experi- 
ments of  Capt.  Jno.  F.  Williams  respecting  the  extract- 
ing of  Fresh  Water  from  Salt"  —  and  it  is  to  be  hoped, 
with  punch  —  were  ordered  "to  be  printed  in  such 
manner  as  shall  be  for  the  greatest  public  advantage." 
May  7th,  1793,  "  Capt.  Kirkwoods  Funeral  charges  & 
for  clothing  for  Capt.  Blake,"  w^ere  ordered  to  be  paid. 
A  Capt.  David  Brace  applies  for  relief,  and  is  answ^ered, 
"  that  altho  they  feel  themselves  impelled  by  the  tender- 
est  feelings  of  humanity  to  grant  him  his  request,  find 
themselves  restrained  therefrom  by  the  regulations  of  the 
Society  not  permitting  the  •relieving  any  person  that  is 
not  a  Member  thereof."  And  here  we  find  the  unwel- 
come suspicion  forcing  itself  upon  us,  that  our  elder 
brethren  did  not,  nautically  speaking,  aKvays  "  pay  and 
go,"  for  there  comes  before  us  "the  petition  of  Mrs. 
Sparhawk  praying  payment  for  the  use  of  her  house  in 
the  year  1782,"  and  a  Committee  is  ordered  to  inquire 
into  the  circumstances  and  report  thereon. 

At  the  meeting  in  January,  1794,  "  On  the  petition  of 
Ann  Coppinger  praving  relief,  Voted  that  she  be 
relieved  with  Twenty  Dollars,  and  the  Clerk  be  directed 
to  inform  her  that  as  her  Husband  did  not  comph^  ^vith 
the  Regulations  of  the  Society,  it  will  not  be  in  their 
power  to  grant  her  any  further  Relief."      A   resolution 


42  Records  of  tJic  Boston   Mai-nic   Society. 

was  passed  to  notify  "persons  holding  the  Money  of 
the  Society  by  Bond  and  Mortgage  "  if  said  mortgages 
were  not  discharged,  their  "  Bond  will  be  put  in  Suit 
immediately." 

May  6th,  1794,  at  the  Bunch  of  Grapes,  "A  Letter 
communicated  to  the  Society  by  Capt.  James  Scott  from 
Benjn  Hallowell  at  London"  was  read,  "with  a 
Bill  on  Moses  Gill  Esqr  for  his  Arrears  due  the  Society, 
considering  himself  a  Member  till  the  Year  1776."  It 
seems  Hallowell  joined  in  1749?  was  Master  in  1762,  but 
apparently  sided  with  the  parent  country  at  and  after 
the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

September  2d,  1794,  Bunch  of  Grapes  Tavern,  voted, 
"  That  the  president  is  desired  to  speak  to  Mr.  Wm. 
Furness  and  know  if  it  is  agreeable  to  him  to  act  as 
Secretary  to  the  Society."  Voted,  "  That  Capt.  Johna. 
Blakes  bill  for  Board  the  last  Qiiarter  be  paid  -r-  and 
also  —  Ten  Dollars  be  allow'd  him  for  Clothing  includ- 
ing what  he  has  reed  from  the  Master." 

November,  1794,  a  Committee  was  appointed,  "  to 
make  sale  of  the  Societys  Lands  situated  in  Little  Cam- 
bridge and  pay  the  net  proceeds  into  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer."  In  stocks  and  securities,  the  Society 
appears  to  have  had  at  this  date,  $7994.04. 

October  6th,  1795,  a  rather  lengthy  proposal  from 
Capt.  BenJ.  Homans,  jr.,  was  submitted,  that  each 
master,  in  active  service,  should  donate  to  the  Society 
whatever  letter  money  might  be  received  from  the  Post 
Office,  the  same  for  the  Society's  benefit.  Capt.  Blake's 
board  continues  to  be  paid,  and  at  what  are  styled  the 
"  Annual  Feasts,"  no  more  clcrgx'men  are  invited,  the 
clerical    influence    seemins:    to    wane    about    this    time. 


Records  of  the  Boston   Maj-nze   Society.  43 

January  5th,  1796,  a  Committee  was  appointed  to 
petition  Congress  once  more  for  a  light-house  on  Cape 
Cod,  and  to  ask  co-operation  of  the  Humane  Society  and 
the  Marine  Society  of  Salem. 

On  February  2d,  1796,  the  Committee  above  referred 
to  ''  reported  the  following  Memorial,  which  after  being 
read  was  unanimously  accepted  &  accordingly  Voted 
That  the  Master  forward  the  same  to  Congress  as  soon 
as  may  be." 

To  the  Senate  and  to  the  Hoitse  ojf  Representatives  in 
Congress  assembled  at  Philadelphia  Febry  Jygd: 

The  Boston  Marine  Society  beg  leave  most  respectfully 
to  represent.  That  the  frequent  shipwrecks  Avhich  take 
place  on  Cape  Cod  within  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts,  renders  every  attempt  to  prevent  such 
melancholy  accidents  interesting  &  important.  The 
erection  of  a  Light  House  on  the  Highlands  of  that  Cape, 
is  perhaps  the  only  measure  that  could  aid  the  Naviga- 
tor in  this  respect,  upon  that  dangerous  winter  Coast. 
Your  Memorialists  beg-  leave  to  call  the  attention  of 
Congress,  as  the  protectors  of  the  Commerce,  and  Guar- 
dians of  the  Lives  of  the  Seamen  of  our  Common 
Country,  to  this  subject  &  to  sollicit,  in  behalf  of  our 
exposed  meritorious  Marine  Brethren,  that  an  Inquiry 
may  be  made  into  the  Expediency  of  the  Mission,  and 
if  found  necessary  that,  a  Light  House  may  be  erected 
on  the  high  Lands  of  Cape  Cod,  under  such  Regula- 
tions as  Congress  shall  think  proper  to  establish. 

By  order  &  on  behalf  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 
(Signed.) 


44  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society, 

August  3d,  1796.  At  Concert  Hall,  it  was  voted, 
•'  that  the  following  Gentlemen  be  a  Committee  to  confer 
with  the  Chamber  of  Commerce  respecting  the  pilots 
and  rate  of  pilotage  of  vessels  into  this  port,  and  said 
Committee  are  hereby  authorized  to  recommend  and 
agree  to  any  regulations  respecting  the  same,  which 
they  may  think  fit  &  beneficial."  Dommet,  Goodwin, 
Smith,  Doane,  Mackay,  Committee.  This  is  the  first 
we  hear  of  a  Chamber  of  Commerce,  and  to  this  date, 
the  matters  of  pilots  and  pilotage  seem  to  have  rested 
wholly  in  this  Society. 

An  often  recurring  suspension  of  the  rules,  in  order 
to  vote  in  members  at  the  time  of  their  proposal,  is 
noticeable  throughout  the  records  so  far.  Capt.  John 
Blake  is  still  boarded  and  otherwise  cared  for  by  the 
Society.  December  6th,  1796,  at  Concert  Hall, — which 
by  the  way  stood  then,  according  to  Drake,  where  we 
can  all  remember  it  under  the  rule  of  Peter  B.  Brigham, 
as  standing  corner  of  Court  and  Hanover  streets. 
'•  Gen.  Lincoln  communicated  to  the  Society  the  doings 
of  Congress  respecting  a  Light  House  to  be  erected  on 
some  part  of  Cape  Cod,  that  he  was  desired  by  the 
Secretary  of  State  to  furnish  a  plan  and  point  out  the  spot 
where  it  would  be  best  to  place  it  and  that  he  should 
feel  himself  better  able  to  make  up  his  reports  by  the 
advice  and  assistance  of  the  Gentlemen  of  this  Society, 
accordingly  the  business  was  considered  &  finally  Voted 
as  the  Opinion  of  this  vSociety  that  one  light  would  be 
best  and  would  answer  every  purpose  provided  it  was 
so  constructed  as  to  be  seen  one  Minute  and  hid  from 
the  sight  the  next  minute  and  so  on  alternately,  also  that 
the  Light  should  be  Fifty  feet  from  the  ground." 


Records  of  the  Boston   ^larine   Society.  45 

"  Genl  Lincoln  also  mentioned  the  necessity  of  Buoys 
being  placed  in  and  about  Boston  Harbour  and  that 
some  regular  and  better  mode  of  pilotage  should  be 
adopted"  —  meaning,  probably,  pilot  rules  or  regula- 
tions—  •'  that  he  had  it  much  in  his  power  to  forward 
such  desirable  objects  provided  he  was  assisted  by  the 
Gentlm.  of  this  Society  in  making  such  communications 
as  would  point  out  the  manner  of  such  reforms." 
Therefore  it  ^vas  voted,  that  Capts.  Mackay,  Williams, 
Magee,  Hopkins,  and  Dunn,  "  Be  a  Committee  to  con- 
sider of  the  above  matters  and  inform  themselves  of  ye 
probable  expence  of  the  Buoys,  where  it  would  be  best 
to  place  them  &  v^'-hat  number  would  be  necessary  —  in 
what  form  they  should  be  made  &c,  and  report  as  soon 
as  possible.'^ 

The  General  Lincoln  so  often  referred  to  was  General 
Benjamin  Lincoln. 

At  the  meeting  of  Februar}^  7^1^?  ^797'  h^ld  at 
Concert  Hall,  we  find  the  follow^ing  record  of  "  Expences 
Pd  Jones*  for  attendance  9s.  Pd  Vila  for  Punch  &c  j£i 
los."  Punch  being  alwavs  sjoelled,  whenever  referred 
to,  with  a  "  big,  big"  P. 

A  special  meeting  of  the  Society  was  called  March 
23d,  1797,  and  we  read,  "The  business  of  the  evening 
w^as  opened  by  Capt.  Thomas  Dennie  the  Master,  wdio 
informed  the  Gentln  Present  that  the  Meeting  was  call'd 
for  the  purpose  of  determining  on  proper  persons  for 
Pilots  of  Boston  Harbour  to  be  recommended  by  this 
Society  to  the  Governor  &  Council  according  to  the 
New  Act  which  passed  the  last  session  of  the  Genl 
Court  respecting  pilots,  whereupon  an  extract  from  the 
Act  \vas  read  and  the    following    votes    passed  :  "    "  the 


46  Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society. 

following  persons  are  suitable  for  inward  Pilots  of 
Boston  Harbour  "  Thomas  Knox,  Charles  Cole  &  Robert 
*Knox,  and  for  outward  pilots,  Benjamin  Smith,  Josiah 
Avers,  Thomas  Bernard,  Nathaniel  B.  Lyde. 

A  Committee,  consisting  of  Dennie,  Knox,  Scott, 
Williams,  and  Dunn,  was  appointed,  '•'  to  attend  Genl 
Lincoln  and  atibrd  their  advice  and  opinion  in  placing 
Buoys  in  the  Harbour  of  Boston."  Thanks  were  voted 
"•  to  Brother  Lincoln  for  his  attention  and  services." 
July  4th,  17975  ^  committee  of  five  was  appointed  "  to 
advise  with  Genl  Lincoln  as  to  the  construction  &  make 
of  the  Buoys  etc  to  be  placed  in  &  about  our  Harbour." 
At  the  meeting  5th  September,  1797,  at  Concert  Hall, 
"  Genl  Lincoln  informed  the  Society,  that  the  Light 
House  on  Cape  Cod  was  to  be  distinguished  from  the 
Light  House  in  Boston,  by  having  an  eclipser  regularly 
passing  round  it  so  as  to  exclude  the  light  from  the 
approaching  mariner.  He  asked  the  opinion  of  the 
Society  what  sjDace  of  time  should  elapse  while  the 
eclipser  is  making  one  revolution."  "  Voted  a  recon- 
sideration of  the  vote  on  the  subject  passed  Deer  6th 
1796  and  Voted  as  the  opinion  of  the  Society  that 
Eighty  seconds  will  be  a  proper  space  of  time  for  the 
eclipser  to  make  one  entire  revolution." 

A  special  meeting  was  called  at  Concert  Hall,  20th 
October,  1797,  when  it  was  voted,  "That  a  Committee 
of  three  be  chosen  to  attend  with  Capt.  J.  F.  Williams 
in  tak'g  the  bearings  &  distances  &c.  of  Cape  Cod  Light 
agreeable  to  the  request  of  Genl  Lincoln  per  his  letter 
iSth  inst."  Craft,  West,  and  Hills,  were  made  the 
Cgmmittee,  and  it  was  voted,  "That  Capt.  Williams 
should  request  Capt.  Thos  Barnard  —  a  Branch   pilot  of 


Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society.  47 

Boston  —  to  attend  with  the  above  Committee,  and  that 
he  be  compensated  bv  the  Society  for  his  time  and 
services."  November  yth,  1797,  $66.70  was  voted  to 
pay  the  board  and  sundrv  expenses  of  Capts.  Blake  and 
Eaton.  It  was  also  voted,  ''  That  a  Committee  of  Five 
be  chosen  to  correct  for  the  Press  &  publish  the  Report 
respecting  the  bearings  distances  &c.  of  Cape  Cod 
Light."  '-A  public  dinner"  was  voted,  and  that  the 
report  on  "  Cape  Cod  Light  —  after  being  corrected 
and  printed  —  be  recorded  by  the  Sectry  in  this  book." 
On  the  2d  January,  179S,  it  was  "Voted  That  the 
compensation  to  Capt.  Thos  Barnard  for  his  time  and 
attendance  ^vith  the  Committee  in  tak'g  the  bearings  & 
distances  of  Cape  Cod  Light  be  paid  him,  Amtg  to 
Twenty  dollars."  It  was  further  voted,  "  That  the 
Directions  for  sailing  by  Cape  Cod  Light  House 
approved  by  this  Society  at  their  meeting  7th  Novr  last, 
and  which  are  as  follows  *  *  *  Be  printed  at  the  Soci- 
etys  Expense  and  a  number  be  left  at  the  Custom  House 
to  be  delivered  Gratis  to  every  Master  of  Vessel  whether 
of  this  Association  or  not  —  who  may  wish  for  one,  and 
the  Secrty  is  hereby  authorized  to  pay  the  charges  of 
the  same."  Here  follows  nearly  three  close -\vritten 
pages  of  sailing  directions  for  passing  Cape  Cod,  and 
the  safe  navigation  of  Boston  and  Cape  Cod  bays. 

One  cannot  but  be  impressed  by  the  liberality  and 
generosity  that  characterized  the  Society  in  these  early 
davs  of  its  struggle  for  existence.  The  accounts  are 
kept  mainly  in  sterling,  though  United  States  currency 
—  dollars  and  cents  —  is  often  given  and  quoted.  On 
February  6th,  1798,  there  is  entered  under  the  item  of 
'•  Expences,"    "  Pd    Vila"  —  the    landlord    of    Concert 


48  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society. 

Hall  —  "  for  Room,  Candles  &  Fire  3  Meetings  &  for 
Punch  this  Meetg  $11.01  — £3  6s  od  "  so  that  roughly 
rendered,  it  would  read  thus  :  room,  candles,  and  fire, 
three  meetings,  $5.50;  Punch,  one  meeting,  $11,  which 
shows  their  high  appreciation  of  the  essentials  for  good 
fellowship. 

A  petition  from  Capt.  Lyde  for  relief,  being  read, 
it  was  voted,  "  that  he  be  further  relieved  with  the 
sum  of  Forty  dollars"  and  a  Committee  of  three  was 
appointed  to  look  into  his  case,  "  and  to  advise  him 
to  such  measures  as  mav  tend  to  the  Honor  of  this 
Society." 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Wm.  Coombs  was  read,  *'  recom- 
mending a  Chart  of  St  Georges  Banks  &c,"  and 
"  another  Letter  from  Edmund  M.  Blunt  the  publisher 
of  said  Chart,  with  his  propositions,"  so  a  committee  of 
five  was  appointed  "to  examine  the  same  and  report 
next  meetinof." 

It  was  voted,  '"That  the  balance  which  may  appear 
to  be  due  Mr.  James  Vila  for  the  Annual  Feast  of  Novr 
1796,  be  paid  him  from  the  stock  of  this  Society." 

Voted,  likewise,  "  That  a  Committee  of  Five  from 
this  Society  be  chose  to  draft  a  petition  to  our  Federal 
Government  to  appoint  a  competent  person  or  persons 
to  survey  the  Sea  Coast,  Shoals  &  Soundings  of  the 
United  States  for  the  general  benefit  of  Navigation  & 
Interest  of  the  Commercial  world,  at  such  time  as  may 
appear  proper  for  pursuing  such  a  plan."  It  was  like- 
wise voted,  to  ask  the  co-operation  "  of  the  difterent 
Marine  Societies  in  the  United  States  towards  this  end." 
At  the  next  meeting,  however,  on  March  6th,  it  was 
voted,  that  the   above  Committee   ''  are  hereby  directed 


Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society.  49 

to  suspend  all  proceedings  till  further  orders  of  the 
Society."  Then,  the  "Committee  appointed  last  meeting 
to  examine  Mr.  Edmund  Blunts  chart  of  Georges  Bank 
and  Nantucket  Shoals,  having  attentively  perused  and 
compared  said  Chart  with  the  former  Charts  and  having 
taken  the  best  information  and  advice  thereon,  as  \vell 
from  their  own  individual  experience  do  hereby  make 
the  following  Report  upon  Mr.  Blunts  Chart,  Viz  : 

"  ist,  That  Mr.  Blunt  offers  no  proof  of  any  actual 
observations  upon  Georges  Bank  and  that  if  copied  from 
anv  former  Charts,  it  must  be  subject  to  their  Errors. 

"  3nd.  That  as  the  authority  of  Mr.  Blunts  Chart 
appears  to  be  founded  upon  an  actual  survey  of  Mr. 
Paul  Pinkham,  &  he  has  given  Mr.  Pinkham  the  credit 
of  having  made  such  a  survey,  there  is  no  proof  to 
satisfy  us  that  Mr.  Pinkham  has  ever  made  a  survey  of 
Georges  Bank,  as  mentioned  in  Mr.  Blunts  address  to 
the  Public  annexed  to  his  Chart. 

"  3d,  That  it  is  necessary  to   fix   the  certain    situation 
of  the   Shoalest  part   of  Georges    Bank    and    the    exact 
soundings    round    it   within    the  limits  of  Shoal  w^ater, 
the  effect  of  the  tides,  and  the   shifting   of  the  shoal,  if 
shifti^ig  or  stationarv. 

"4th,  That  no  person  in  surveying  said  Bank  or  in 
making  any  actual  observations  upon  it,  would  omit  to 
notice  the  quality  of  the  ground  at  each  sounding,  and 
that  it  is  essentially  necessary  to  a  Chart  for  the  govern- 
ing of  Mariners  aright  to  fix  the  boundaries  &  extent  of 
the  Bank,  the  first  soundings  in  coming  on  and  going 
off,  and  the  nature  of  adjacent  soundings,  and  that  the 
south  Channel  lying  between  Nantucket  and  Georges 
and  as  far  as  it  extends  South^vrd  is  known  to  have  a 


50  Rccoi'ds  of  the  Boston  JMarine   Society. 

bottom  peculiar  to  itself  and  different  from  that  of  the 
Banks  on  either  side. 

"5th,  That  Mr.  Blunt  appears  to  have  varied  & 
omitted  some  parts  of  Paul  Pinkhams  Chart  of  Nan- 
tucket &  the  Shoals  and  that  Mr.  Pinkhams  Chart  has 
been  generally  approved  of  as  far  as  it  extends. 

''■6th,  That  Mr.  Blunt  in  his  Chart  of  Cape  Cod  has 
varied  the  actual  form  of  said  Cape,  ascertained  by  a 
late  survey  under  the  direction  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Society,  and  that  consistently  with  our  Duty  to  our 
Brethren  jMariners  as  \vell  as  to  mankind  in  general,  \ve 
cannot  recommend  a  Chart  which  appears  deficient  in 
any  part  and  which  may  expose  their  Lives  &  property 
from  the  Errors  of  a  Chart  not  drawn  from  actual  sur- 
vey." Signed  by  Williams,  Homans.  Hopkins,  Prince, 
and  Fletcher,  Committee.  This  report  was  accepted, 
and  it  ^vas  voted,  "  That  a  Copy  be  forwarded  to  the 
President  of  the  Marine  Society  at  Newburyport,"  and 
"  further  proceedings  suspended  till  the  next  Qiiarterly 
Meeting." 

A  committee  of  five  was  appointed  to  receive  com- 
plaints "  in  writing"  of  neglect  of  duty  on  the  part  of 
any  pilots,  laying  the  same  before  the  Society  for  action, 
and  this  Committee  were  instructed  to  report  ''  those 
resolutions  which  in  their  opinion  will  render  the  pilot- 
ing in  and  out  of  this  Harbour,  more  safe  and  interest- 
ing to  the  Trade  and  to  the  pilots  themselves." 

May  I  St,  179S,  was  paid  "Vila  for  Room  &  Candles 
three  Evenings  to  this  Meet'g  inclusive  &  for  Punch  this 
Evening,  £2  3s  od."  There  seems  no  room  to  doubt 
but  our  worthy  Fathers  attended  strictly  to  their 
business,  and  their  punch. 


Records  of  the  Boston  Mai'i?ie   Society.  51 

At  this  meeting,  ^' the  Secty  was  Empowered  to 
have  200  copies  of  the  B}'  Laws "  printed,  and  the 
folio wino-  Xote  inserted.  "  Note.  The  members  of 
the  Society  are  hereby  reminded  that  for  all  Sea 
Letters  which  they  may  deliver  at  the  Post  Office, 
The  post  Master  instead  of  the  money  will  give  a 
Receipt  for  the  same  to  be  accountable  for  the  Amount 
to  the  Secretary  of  this  Society,  which  Receipt  they 
must  lodsre  with  the  Sectv  for  collection,  it  beino-  a 
Voluntary  &  free  donation  of  the  Brethren  to  the  Funds 
of  this  Institution." 

August  7th,  179S,  "  Punch  this  Evng."  Room, 
candles,  and  attendance,  £3  9s. 

On  the  4th  September,  1798,  "  A  petition  signed  by 
forty  persons  Inhabts  of  Provincetown  recommending  a 
Mr.  Geo.  Nicholson  as  pilot  from  Cape  Cod  Harbour 
to  Boston  Light,  Salem,  Cape  Ann  &  Newbury  bar  and 
to  Plymouth  being  read,  Thereupon  Voted  That  the 
Secrv  inform  ]Mr.  Daniel  Sargent  wdio  handed  the 
petition  —  that  the  regular  Channel  for  such  an  applica- 
tion is  first  to  the  Govr  and  Council." 

Voted,  "  That  the  Society  address  the  President  of 
the  United  States  on  the  present  important  state  of  the 
political  affairs  of  this  Country."  Voted,  that  "  Wm. 
Tudor  Esqr,  Simon  Elliott  Esqr,  &  Capt.  Thos  Dennie 
be  a  Committee  to  draft  an  address  for  the  above 
purpose." 

The  Society  was  evidently  not  so  fearful  of  politics  in 
those  days  as  it  has  since  become, 

"The  Committee  retired  from  the  room  and  about 
half  an  hour  afterwards  return'd  with  the  folloAvino- 
address  y 


52  Records  of  tJie  Boston  Marine  Society. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America : 

The  respectful  address  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society 
in  the  State  of  Massachusetts. 

Sir: — At  a  time  when  the  existence  of  our  indepen- 
dence is  struck  at ;  the  Sovereign  rights  of  our  country 
violated,  by  the  refusal  to  receive  our  Ambassadors, 
specially  commissioned  as  the  ministers  of  explanation 
and  concord ;  and  this  haughty  and  hostile  aspect, 
accompanied  with  the  most  indiscriminate  spoliations 
on  our  Commerce,  grounded  on  the  false,  contemptuous 
opinion,  that  we  are  a  mercenary,  defenceless  and 
divided  people,  it  surelv  becomes  the  dutv  of  every 
Citizen,  and  incorporated  bodies  in  particular,  publickh- 
to  express  sentiments,  ^vhich,  may  convince  the  \^^orld 
as  well  as  the  French  nation,  that  they  indignantly  feel, 
dare  resent  and  hope  to  avenge,  the  injured  and  insulted 
character  of  our  common  country. 

Although  it  is  not  for  nations  to  command  they 
certainly  may  deserve  success.  The  Arms  of  our  country 
have  too  recently  \vith  effect  resisted  the  claims  of  the 
first  maritime  power  the  earth  ever  knew,  for  her  Sons 
to  now  meanly  crouch  to  the  insatiable  cupidity  and 
distant  domination  of  an  insolent  and  inferior  foe. 

When  friendship  becomes  insult,  or  is  permitted  only 
on  exclusive  terms,  dictated  and  imposed  by  a  corrupted 
and  corrupting  government,  it  is  time  to  shake  oft'  such 
a  debasing  yoke.  Better  at  once  to  commence  generous 
enemies  than  maintain  a  deceptive  and  precarious  con- 
nection with  such  insidious  friends. 

Had  the  French  people  confined  their  eftbrts  to  the 
annihilation  of  their  monarchy  and  all  its  collateral 
props,  and  to  the  erection  of  any  other  system  of  rule, 


Records  of  the   Boston  Marine   Society.  53 

the  business  and  its  local  consequences  ought  to  have 
been  left  to  themselves  ;  But  ^vhen  we  find  this  nation, 
after  having  completely  attained  the  professed  object  of 
their  warfare,  with  savage  hostility  in  many  instances, 
and  in  others,  artfully  aiming  at  the  utter  subversion 
of  the  political,  religious  and.  social  institutions  of  all 
governments,  which  time,  experience,  and  even  freedom, 
have  sanctioned,  thev  become  the  enemies  of  all  man- 
kind, and  ought  to  be  opposed  by  every  country,  that 
has  anv  pretensions  to  Principle,  Spirit  or  Patriotism. 

These  Sir  are  our  sentiments,  and  we  trust  they 
actuate,  and  glo^v,  in  the  breasts,  and  if  necessary  will 
nerve  the  arm,  of  the  great  mass  of  the  free  and 
enlightened  citizens  that  compose  the  American  nation ; 
and  who  must  rejoice  that  their  beloved  Washingtoit 
has  been  succeeded  b}^  a  man  who  treads  w^ith  equal 
step,  the  honest,  plain  and  strait  road,  so  strictly 
follo^ved  by  that  wise  and  able  Statesman. 

Extensive  as  the  commerce  of  the  United  States 
has  become  under  a  popular  government,  wisely  admin- 
istered, and  distant  as  our  shores  lie  from  the  European 
Continent,  wooden  avails,  are  confessedly  our  best 
defence.  You  Sir  appear  early  and  justlv  to  have 
appreciated  this  system  of  protection.  Many  of  this 
Society  have  been  engaged  in  maritime  warfare  ;  and 
when  their  country  again  calls  they  trust  under  your 
pilotage,  the}^  shall  not  be  found  wanting. 

A  life  like  yours,  so  long  successfully  employed  in 
public  energv  and  patriotic  effort,  has  now  become  an 
important  object  of  preservation.  May  Heaven  preserve 
it  \vith  invig'orated  health,  and  a  kind  Providence  enable 
you  to   augment  your   well  founded   claims  to   national 


54  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

gratitude,  by  a  faithful,  firm  discharge  of  the  numerous 
duties  and  momentous  services  committed  to  you  by  the 
constitution  and  councils  of  our  Country,  and  in  which 
Europe  ahd  the  world  may  eyentually  be  so  much 
interested. 

By  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

(Signed)      Thomas    Dennie.  President. 

(Signed)     Wm.    Furxess,   Sectry. 

'•Which  being  read  to  the  Societ}^  (by  Judge  Tudor) 
it  was  thereujDon  voted  That  the  said  address  be  again 
read  Paragraph  by  paragraph,  w^hich  after  having  gone 
through  was  by  a  Unanimous  Vote  accepted."  "Voted 
that  a  Committee  of  seven  be  chose  to  present  the 
address  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  that 
it  be  signed  as  above,  by  the  Presdt  of  this  Society 
attested  by  the  Secty."  '^ Voted  That  Capt.  Thomas 
Dennie,  Capt.  Nathl  Goodwin,  Wm.  Tudor  Escp*.  Capt. 
James  Scott,  Capt.  Nathl  Thvving,  Genl  Simon  Elliot 
and  Capt.  Mungo  Mackay,  be  the  Committee." 

"Friday  Sept.  7th,  13  o'clock.  The  Committee 
waited  on  the  President  of  the  United  States  at  his  Seat 
in  Qiiincy.  with  the  address  which  was  delivered  to  him 
by  Capt.  T.  Dennie  and  the  following  received  for 
Anszver.'''' 

To  the  Boston  Marine  Society: 

Gentlemen  :  I  thank  you  for  this  respectful  address. 
The  existence  .of  the  independence  of  any  nation,  can- 
not be  more  grossly  attacked,  the  soverign  rights  of  a 
country  cannot  be  more  offensively  violated,  than  by  a 


Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society.  s,^ 

refusal  to  receive  Ambassadors  sent  as  Ministers  of 
explanation  and  concord;  —  especially  if  such  refusal  is 
accompanied,  with  public  and  notorious  circumstances 
of  deliberate  indignity,  insult  and  contempt.  Indiscrim- 
inate despoliations  on  our  commerce,  grounded  on  the 
contemptuous  opinion  that  \ve  are  a  divided,  defenceless 
and  mercenary  people,  are  not  so  egregious  and  aggra- 
vated a  provocation  offered  to  the  face  of  a  whole  nation 
as  the  former.  I  rejoice  that  you  indignantly  feel,  that 
you  dare  resent,  and  that  you  hope  to  vindicate,  the 
injured  and  insulted  character  of  our  common  country. 
When  Friendship  becomes  insult,  or  is  permitted  only 
on  terms  dictated  and  imposed,  it  becomes  an  intolerable 
yoke  and  it  is  time  to  shake  it  oft^.  Better  at  once  to 
become  generous  enemies  than  maintain  a  delusive 
and  precarious  connection  with  such  insidious  friends. 
Whatever  pretext  the  French  people,  or  a  French  Prince 
of  the  blood  v/ith  his  train,  or  a  combination  of  families 
of  the  first  quality,  w^ith  officers  of  the  Army  had  for 
their  efforts  for  the  annihilation  of  the  monarchy  ;  We 
certainly,  far  from  being  under  any  obligation,  had  no 
right  or  excuse  to  interfere  for  their  assistance.  If  by 
collateral  props  of  the  monarchy  you  mean  the  nobility 
and  the  Clergy,  what  has  followed  the  annihilation  of 
them  }  All  their  revenues  have  been  seized  and  appro- 
priated by  another  prop  of  the  old  monarchy  the  Army ; 
and  the  nation  has  become  as  all  other  nations  of  Europe 
are  becoming  if  French  principles  and  systems  prevail, 
a  congregation  of  Soldiers  and  Corps.  The  French 
Revolution  has  ever  been  incomprehensible  to  me  ;  the 
substance  of  all  that  I  can  understand  of  it,  is,  that  one 
of  the  pillars  of  the  ancient  monarchy,  that  is  the  Army, 


56  Reco7'ds  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society. 

has  fallen  upon  the  other  two  the  Nobility  and  Clergy, 
broken  them  both  down,  the  buildino:  has  fallen  of 
course,  and  this  pillar  is  now  the  whole  edifice.  The 
Military  Serpent  has  swallowed  that  of  Aaron  and  all 
the  rest.  If  the  example  should  be  followed  through 
Europe,  wdien  the  Officers  of  the  armies  begin  to  quarrel 
with  one  another,  five  hundred  years  more  of  Barons 
Wars  may  succeed. 

If  the  French  therefore,  will  become  the  Enemies 
of  all  mankind  by  forcing  all  nations  to  follow  their 
example,  in  the  subversion  of  all  the  Political,  Religious 
and  social  institutions  which  time.  Experience  and 
Freedom  have  sanctioned,  they  ought  to  be  opposed  by 
every  Country  that  has  any  pretensions  to  principle, 
Spirit  or  Patriotism. 

Floating  batteries  and  wooden  ^valls  have  been  my 
favorite  System  of  warfare  and  defense  for  this  Country, 
for  three  and  tw^enty  years.  '  I  have  had  very  little 
success  in  making  proselytes.  At  the  present  moment 
however,  Americans  in  general,  Cultivators  as  well  as 
merchants  and  mariners,  begin  to  look  to  that  source  of 
security  and  protection,  and  your  assistance  will  have 
great  influence  and  effect  in  extending  the  opinion  in 
theory  and  in  introducing  and  establishing  the  practice. 

Your  kind  wishes  for  my  life  and  Health  demand  my 
most  respectful  and  affectionate  gratitude,  and  the  return 
of  my  sincere  prayers  for  the  health  and  happiness  of 
the  Marine  Society  at  Boston,  as  well  as  for  the  security 
and  prosperity  of  the  Military  and  Commercial  Marine 
of  the  United  States,  in  which  yours  is  included. 

(vSigned)     John  Adams. 

Qiiincy,  September  7th,  179S. 


Records  of  the  Boston  ^larine   Society.  57 

At  the  Annual  Meeting  at  Concert  Hall,  6th  Novem- 
ber, 179S,  sundry  reliefs  were  voted,  and  "Fifty-two 
dollars  to  pa}^  Capt.  Blakes  bill,  board  at  Mr.  Eatons, 
also  Voted  to  furnish  Capt.  Blake  with  a  comfortable 
suit  of  Clothes,  and  good  warm  great  Coat  at  the 
Society s  expense."  Officers  were  chosen  for  the  ensu- 
ing year,  the  accounts  audited,  and  it  was  ''  Voted 
that  all  Applications  for  Relief  be  presented  to  the 
Master  at  least  Ten  days  before  the  meeting,  and  that 
he  hand  the  same  to  the  Committee  of  Relief,  in 
order  that  they  may  enquire  into  the  particular  situa- 
tion of  the  applicant  and  make  report  on  each  petition 
at  the  next  meetinsf." 

The  Society  seems  always  to  have  been  very  liberal ; 
it  seems  likewise  to  have  looked  closely  as  to  the  neces- 
sities of  those  seeking:  aid. 

January  ist,  1799,  "'a  petition  from  Mr.  Cole  (Branch 
Pilot)  being  read"  a  committee  was  then  appointed  "  to 
wait  on  Genl  Lincoln,  and  request  of  him  that  Mr.  Cole 
may  be  accommodated  with  a  room  at  the  Light  House 
and  use  of  the  Wharf — ag-reeable  to  his  Petition  — 
which  this  Society  Conceive  will  be  a  Benefit  to  the 
navigation  of  Boston." 

A  committee  was  appointed  "  to  enquire  whether  the 
Pilots  recommended  by  this  Society,  have  complied 
^vith  the  Act  made  by  the  Genl  Court  for  regulating 
pilotage,  and  report  at  the  next  meeting." 

Voted,  "  That  the  Vote  passed  last  November  meet- 
ing respecting  petitions  for  Relief,  be  published  by  the 
Secrty  in  the  Centinel,  Mercury  and  price  Current." 

Voted,  "  That  the  Petition  handed  in  this  Eveng  from 
the  Vineyard  pilots  be  returned  to  them,  &  they  informed 


5S  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society. 

that  the  Societ}-  consider  it  as  a  subject  of  too  general  a 
nature  for  them  to  act  upon." 

February  5th,  1799,  a  Committee  was  appointed,  in 
consequence  of  complaints  made  as  to  neglect  of  pilots, 
"  to  receive  in  writing,  complaints  if  any  shall  exist 
asrainst  the  Pilots  for  the  Harbour  of  Boston." 

"  Capt.  John  F.  Williams  presented  —  by  the  hands 
of  the  Sectry  —  one  of  his  drafts  of  Cape  Cod  and 
Harbor  to  the  Society  hoping  it  w^ould  ineet  their 
approbation. "  It  was  accepted,  and  he  \vas  voted 
thanks,  "for  his  exertions  and  accuracy  in  executing  it 
and  for  his  handsome  and  marked  attention  to  this 
Society  in  the  Dedication." 

Then  comes  the  following  vote,  which  shows  that 
irony  and  sarcasm  were  fully  understood  by  our  elder 
brethren.  "  That  whereas  it  appears  to  this  Society 
from  the  recpts  of  the  Sectry,  that  the  proptn  of  monies 
received  for  Letters  in  consequence  of  the  liberal  propo- 
sitions of  sundrey  members,  throws  a  far  greater  propor- 
tion on  Capt.  Stephen  D.  Turner  than  an}-  other 
member,  it  appearing  that  the  \vhole  sum  received 
amounts  only  to  $57.20,  and  that  Capt.  Turner  has 
caused  to  be  paid  of  this  sum  $50.48,  the  Society  think 
it  incumbent  on  them  after  returning  their  sincere 
Thanks  to  their  Brethren  in  general,  who  have  come 
forward  in  this  business,  to  decline  the  further  accept- 
ance of  their  liberality  in  this  respect,  and  they  are 
discharged  accordingly." 

August  6th,  1799,  a  petition  \vas  received  from 
Capt.  Silas  Dagget,  asking  the  Societys  recommenda- 
tion as  keeper  of  a  light-house,  to  be  erected  at  Gay 
Head  ;  it  was  voted  to  recommend  him,  ••  should  he  find 


Records  of  the  Bostoii  jSIarme   Society.  =J9 

it  for  his  interest  to  surrender  his  other  objects  of 
business  to  this  alone,"  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  examine  into  the  merits  of  ''  an  improved  lamp  for 
Lio^ht  Houses,"  shown  by  a  Mr.  Cannino;ton. 

October  ist,  1799,  "Voted  That  the  President  of  this 
Society  make  application  to  his  Honor  the  Goyenr  & 
Commander  in  Chief  of  this  Commonwealth,  bv  letter, 
agreeable  to- the  one  presented  &  read  this  Evening  by 
Genl  Lincoln,  for  the  removal  of  the  Barn  on  vStraw- 
berry  Hill  (see  letter  on  file)." 

At  the  Annual  Meeting,  5th  November,  the  usual 
moneys  were  voted  to  the  needy,  officers  chosen,  and 
accounts  audited.  A  public  dinner  for  that  dav  ^veek 
was  decided  on,  and  voted  that  "  Mr.  Donham  the  man 
who  distributes  the  notificns  and  attends  the  meetino-s  of 
the  Society,  be  paid  twelve  shillings  for  this  Eveng 
service  —  and  all  future  meetings  of  the  vSocietv  at 
which  he  may  attend." 

January  7th,  iSoo,  at  Concert  Hall.  The  Committee 
appointed  to  examine  and  report  on  Mr.  Cannington's 
improved  lamps  for  light-houses,  reported  favorablv. 
A  light  \vas  exhibited  from  "  the  Cupola  on  the  Top  of 
the  new  vState  House,"  and  part  of  the  Committee  on 
board  the  ••  Revenue  Cutter  nearlv  in  the  Centre 
between  the  State  House  and  the  ligrht  from  Boston 
Light  House,  decided  that  the  power  and  glare  of  the 
liHit  far  exceeded  the  lig-ht  from  the  Boston  lis^ht 
house." 

At  this  meeting  is  found  the  following  resolution, 
"  That  the  Marine  Society  of 'Boston  representing  the 
Maritime  interests  of  the  Metropolis,  ^vill  join  on 
Thursday   next    to    pav  their   tribute    of  respect    to  the 


6o  Reco7'ds  of  tJie  Boston  Marine  Society. 

memory  of  the  late  illustrious  political  Father  Genrl 
George  Washington,  and  that  the  President  and  Vice 
president  inform  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  of 
this  resolve,  and  request  that  a  place  may  be  assigned 
them  in  the  procession,  and  that  the  president  direct  the 
Secrv  in  case  a  place  is  so  assigned,  to  notify  the 
members  to-morro^v  afternoon." 

"  Voted,  as  a  Badge  of  mourning,  that  the  members 
wear  on  the  left  arm,  above  the  Elbow,  a  piece  of  black 
crape  four  inches  wide,  with  an  anchor  on  the  same  two 
inches  long,  of  ^vhite  silk,  until  the  23d  February  next." 

February  4th,  1800,  on  motion  of  Capt.  James  Prince, 
it  was  '•  Voted  that  a  special  meeting  be  called  next 
Friday  Eveng,  to  know  the  opinion  of  this  Society  ;  if 
they  will  express  in  a  manner  more  than  thev  already 
have  done  any  public  testimonials  to  the  memory  of  our 
beloved  Washington." 

At  this  Special  ^Meeting  of  February  7th.  there  was 
a  large  attendance,  but  the  record  is  incomplete.  It  was 
voted  "-That  the  business  for  which  this  meeting  was 
called,  subside."  That  brings  us  to  the  bottom  of  the 
page,  even  the  last  word  unfinished,  and  turning  over 
the  leaf,  ^ve  find  the  record  of  March  4th,  so  we  shall 
probably  never  know  w:hat  was  done  or  omitted  at  that 
meeting. 

July  ist,  iSoo.  a  select  committee  of  five  members 
was  appointed  to  "call  the  inward  branch  pilots  before 
them  for  examination  respecting  their  dutv — agreeable  to 
the  late  Law  of  this  State  —  and  thev  are  hereby  author- 
ized to  consult  an  Attorncv  on  the  subject,"  also  to 
"take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  paying  extra 
pilotage  on  Vessels  riding  Qiiarantine  and  are  desired 


Records  of  the  Soston  Marine   Society.  6i 

to  report  in  full  at  the  next  quarterly  meeting."  The 
whole  matter  of  pilotage  seems  to  have  been  virtually 
in  the  hands  of  the  Society. 

At  the  meeting  of  4th  November,  iSoo,  we  find,  "-as 
the  opinion  of  this  Society  Mr.  Lemuel  iVyers,"  ^vhom 
manv  of  us  remember.  '*is  a  suitable  and  capable 
person  for  an  outward  pilot  for  the  Harbour  of  Boston." 
"A  memorial  from  Mr.  J.  Churchman  (respecting  a 
new  Edition  with  improvements,  of  a  Book  published 
by  him  entitled  the  Magnetic  Atlas,  or  variation  charts 
of  the  whole  terraqueous  Globe,  designed  to  sho^v  the 
magnetic  variation  for  anv  part  thereof  for  the  present 
time)  being  read  to  the  Society,  Voted,  that  Capts. 
Scott,  Roberts,  Dennie  &  Genl  Lincoln  be  a  Committee, 
to  ^vhom  the  above  is  referred,  and  they  are  requested 
to  ask  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Webber  of  Cambridge  in 
their  examinations,  and  report  as  soon  as  is  convenient." 

The  2nd  December,  1800,  at  Concert  Hall,  a  Mr. 
Wm.  Paine  requesting  by  letter  ''to  be  no  longer  con- 
sidered a  member,"  voted,  "that  his  request  be  granted." 

"Voted,  That  the  Master  direct  the  Treasurer  by  an 
order  to  pay  the  Committee  who  provided  the  last 
annual  Feast  the  Sum  of  T\ventv  five  dollars,  the  same 
being  for  the  Club  of  eight  persons  invited  by  the 
Society  at  their  said  dinner." 

January  6th,  iSoi,  "The  Committee  appointed  at  the 
meeting  in  November  to  examine  the  merits  of  a 
memorial  present  to  the  Society  bv  Air.  J.  Churchman, 
respecting  the  variation  of  the  Magnetic  needle  and  a 
method  of  ascertaining  the  true  Longitude  at  Sea,  Have 
taken  the  matter  into  consideration  and  with  the  best 
advice  the}'  can  get,  find  it  a  work  of  great  inerit,  the 


63  Recoi'ds  of  the  Bosto7i  Marine  Society. 

iitilit}'  of  which  must  depend  on  actual  observation  and 
experience.  The  Society  wishing  to  encourage  as  much 
as  in  their  power  every  improvement  in  navigation  that 
can  direct  the  mariner  in  his  course  and  promote  his 
safety,  would  recommend  to  their  brethren  to  try  Mr, 
Churchman's  method  and  at  the  expiration  of  their 
voyages  communicate  the  result  and  success  of  their 
observations."  A  communication  ''from  Capt.  Moses 
Barnard,  respecting  a  Rock  \vhich  he  had  observed  on 
his  last  voyage  to  India,"  was  referred  to  a  committee, 
^vith  instructions  to  report. 

February  3d,  iSoi,  the  Committee  "-reported  as  on 
file."  It  was  ''Voted  to  accept  their  report  and  the 
Committee  are  hereby  directed  to  publish  in  the  Public 
newspapers  as  much  of  sd  as  they  shall  think  proper 
and  usefull  to  our  seafaring  Brethren."  A  Committee 
was  appointed  to  look  into  certain  claims  to  land  in 
Framingham  mortgaged  to  the  Society,  etc. 

"Capt.  John  Choate  (by  Mr.  AVm.  Walter)  presents 
his  respects  and  requests  the  Societys  acceptance  of  a 
Pair  of  Pitchers,  he  had  made  in  Liverpool  for  their 
use  &  with  the  appropriate  Badges  of  the  time  they 
were  made."  "Voted  That  the  Society  accept  of  the 
Pitchers  presented  by  their  worthy  Brother,  and  return 
him  with  sentiments  of  lively  pleasure  their  thanks  for 
the  same,  &  that  the  Secry  furnish  him  with  a  Copy 
of  the  vote  passed  on  the  occasion." 

"Voted,  That  the  Society  will  attend  the  funeral 
of  their  departed  Brother  Capt.  James  Magee  from  his 
late  dwelling  House  in  Roxbury  next  Thursday  afternoon 
preciselv  at  three  o'clock.  That  notice  be  given  our 
Brthn.  in  the   papers  of  tomorrow   and  the  next  day  and 


Records  of  tJic  Boston  Ma7'i7ie   Society,  63 

that  Genl  Elliot  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  this  vote 
for  the  information  of  the  Family."  It  is  a  somewhat 
odd  circumstance  that  the  funeral  of  Capt.  Magee,  who 
gave  the  first  two  pitchers  and  bowls,  should  be 
announced  at  the  same  meeting  vs^hen  the  second  tsvo 
pitchers  are  given  and  accepted. 

March  3d,  iSoi,  necessary  "cloathing"  w^as  voted 
Capt.  Blake,  and  on  application  of  a  Mr.  Clapp,  for  a 
committee  to  confer  with  him  as  to  the  merits  of  a 
"New  American  Seamans  daily  assistant,"  it  was 
"Voted,  That  the  Society  approve  of  his  exertions 
for  our  Sea  faring  Brethren,  but  as  the  work  which 
he  intends  to  publish  will  require  a  great  deal  of  time 
in  the  examination,  and  as  it  must  finally  rest  on  its  own 
merits,  they  must  decline  his  request." 

August  4th,  1801,  "A  letter  from  Mr.  Horace 
Gould,  presenting  his  nautical  perambulator  to  the 
Society  for  their  inspection,  was  considered,  but  no 
vote  taken  on  the  subject."  The  regular  meetings 
were  held,  relief  voted,  and  the  usual  business  trans- 
acted, but  nothing  worthy  of  note  till  May  4th,  1S02, 
when  it  is  voted  to  pay  the  accounts  of  Capt.  James 
Scott  and  Pearson  Eaton  "for  Board  attendance  etc. 
for  Capt.  Jno.  Blake  till  his  Death  (22d  Febry  1S02) 
amountg,  in  the  whole  to  Eighty  dollars  &  ninety 
seven  cents,"  and  a  committee  of  three  was  ap- 
pointed "  to  consider  the  propriety  of  erectg  grave 
stones  with  suitable  inscriptions  to  the  memory  of 
Capt.  Blake,  and  report  at  the  next  quarterly  meeting." 
On  the  3d  August  following,  the  Committee  "reported, 
that  in  their  opinion  it  would  be  v^ell  to  let  the  matter 
subside." 


64  Records  of  tJic  Boston  Marine  Society. 

Annual  Meeting,  3d  November,  1803..  "A  letter 
from  Wm.  B.  Seymour  was  read,  accompanyd  by  one 
of  his  improved  Shives  requesting  that  a  trial  might  be 
made  of  its  utility  &c  (as -on  file.)"  Officers  chosen 
and  resolutions  to  collect  arrearages  from  non-paving 
members.  '  Relief  and  supplies  voted.  Balance  in  the 
Treasurer's  hands,  $873.01,  but  no  statement  of  other 
funds  or  p^-operty  of  the  Society. 

May  3d,  1803,  Capt.  Matthew  C.  Groves  makes  a 
communication  ''  relative  to  a  discovery  which  he  thinks 
he  has  made  to  ascertain  Longitude."  Read  and 
referred  to  a  committee. 

On  the  7th  June,  they  report  "  That  as  the  Truth  of  the 
Principle  adopted  by  Capt.  Groves  depends  upon  Optical 
Instruments  that  cannot  be  procured  in  this  Country  the 
absolute  result  cannot  now^  be  ascertained,  but  vour 
Committee  think  the  Idea  Ingenious  «&  deserving  Encour- 
agement." A  committee  ^vas  appointed  to  look  into  the 
By-Laws  and  see  if  they  required  amendment. 

September  6th,  1803,  a  Committee  appointed  to 
look  into  an  "application  of  the  Widow  Doane  "  for 
relief,  "did  not  think  her  an  object  suitable  for  the 
Charity  of  this  Society."  "  Voted  Unanimouslv  to 
represent  to  Genl  Lincoln,  Collector  of  this  Port,  the 
immediate  necessity  of  preserving  that  ancient  Land 
Mark  called  Nick's  Mate  in  this  Harbour  and  request 
his  recommendation  to  the  Department  of  »State  that  a 
Wall  be  built  around  said  Nick's  Mate  to  preserve  it 
from  total  destruction  by  the  violence  of  storms  the 
approaching  Season,"  and  a  Committee  was  "  appointed 
to  Communicate  "  the  above  to  Genl  Lincoln  and  confer 
with  him  thereon." 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.  65 

October  4th,  1S03,  the  Committee  on  the  By-Laws 
report  in  favor  of  a  petition  to  the  Legislature  "■  to  alter 
so  much  of  the  Charter  as  may  be  necessary"  etc., 
The  report,  after  debate,  was  '"  ordered  to  be  printed" 
and  ''  the  Subject  again  taken  up  the  first  Tuesday  in 
Deer  next."  "  The  admission  fees  were  raised  to  twenty 
dollars,  and  the  monthly  assessments  to  twenty  five  cents 
for  each  member."  "The  Committee  chosen  last  Sep- 
tember to  consider  the  state  of  nicks  Mate  made  Report, 
which  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Bye  Laws, 
and  thev  are  requested  to  draw  up  and  submit  to  the 
Society  for  consideration  a  suitable  representation  to 
Congress  on  the  Subject." 

The  annual  November  report  states  the  increase  of 
the  Societv's  funds  during  the  year  to  be  $645.41. 

The  6th  December,  1S03,  the  Nix's  Mate  Committee 
"  beg  leave  to  report  the  following." 

To  the  Honorable  Congress  of  the  United  States  : 

The  Boston  Marine  Society  taking  a  lively  interest  in 
all  that  Concerns  the  Commercial  prosperitv  of  the 
United  States,  and  feeling  it  a  Duty  incumbent  on  them 
to  point  out  improvements  or  advantages  which  may 
immediately  affect  the  Commercial  interests  of  this 
Metropolis  beg  leave  to  represent  to  the  Honorable 
Congress  of  the  L^nited  States,  the  necessity  of  preserv- 
ing an  ancient  Landmark  of  the  greatest  importance  to 
the  navigation  of  the  Port  of  Boston,  submitting  with 
respectful  deference  to  the  National  Legislature  the 
following  statement. 

An  Island  called  Nicks  Mate  situated  about  three 
miles  within  the  Light  House,  and  directly  on  one  side 


66  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society » 

of  the  two  principal  Channels,  was  formerly  an  Island 
of  more  than  3  miles  circumference,  but  fro  in  its 
exposed  situation  to  the  Sea,  this  Island  is  now  reduced 
to  a  small  heap  of  sand  with  a  few  I^ods  of  the  original 
surface  continually  decreasing  &  undermined  by  the  Sea 
and  surrounded  by  a  body  of  Rocks  which  originally 
the  foundation  &  now  extending"  on  all  sides  more  than 
half  a  mile  into  the  Channels,  this  Island  serves  as  a 
land  mark  to  all  Vessels  coming  in  through  Broad 
Sound  &  ships  passing  through  the  main  channel  must 
necessarily  go  very  near  it.  To  preserve  the  remnant 
of  this  Island  from  total  destruction  is  the  object  of  this 
representation.  The  proprietor  Mr.  Thomas  Knox  is 
w^illins:  to  cede  said  Island  to  the  United  States  for  the 
purpose  if  Congress  in  its  Wisdom  shall  think  fit  to 
appropriate  a  sum  of  money  adequate  for  the  building  a 
sufficientlv  strong;  Stone  Wall  round  the  remains  of  said 
Island  &  for  placing  thereon  a  Beacon.  It  is  the  opinion 
of  this  Society  tlmt  a  great  saving  to  the  revenue  of  the 
United  States  would  eventually  be  the  consequence  of 
such  precaution  by  preventing  many  of  those  accidents 
to  which  vessels  are  ever  exposed  in  dangerous  narrow 
Channels.  It  is  to  be  feared  that  before  another  year 
the  remainder  of  this  Island  will  be  washed  away  by  the 
force  of  the  Sea  in  Storms  and  that  the  Land  will  be 
driven  into  the  main  Channel  &  form  some  dangerous 
shoal  and  the  tide  then  flowing  over  the  foundation 
which  w^ill  be  covered  at  half  tides,  the  danger  must 
increase  and  accidents  become  more  frequent  to  Ships 
entering  the  Port.  From  the  extent  of  the  above 
mentioned  Rocks  and  the  situation  of  the  neighboring 
Islands  no  Buoys  or  Beacons  can  hereafter  be  placed  on 


Records  of  the  Boston  ^larine   Society.  67 

them  eftectually  to  answer  the  purpose  when  the  Island 
is  destroyed. 

In  behalf  the  Boston  Marine  Societ}'  dated  at  Boston 
6th  Deer  1S03. 

(Signed)   Nathl    Goodw^in,  Master. 

A  previously  appointed  Committee  to  examine  and 
report  upon  the  method  of  a  Mr.  Croswell,  to  find  ^'the 
true  time"  and  "the  true  distance,"  recommend  the 
same,  and  "  that  Mr.  Croswells  Calculations  are  Correct 
Concise  and  useful." 

It  was  voted,  "inexpedient  to  adopt"  the  proposed 
new  By-La^vs ;  the  Committee  was  discharged,  and 
"the  expenses  attending  printing  &c"  ordered  to  be 
paid. 

At  a  special  meeting,  nth  January,  1S04,  "  Capt. 
X.  Goodwin  communicated  two  letters  which  he  had 
received  from  Doctr  Eustis  our  Representative  in  Con- 
gress requesting  of  this  Society,  an  Estimate  of  the 
probable  Expense  which  ^vould  attend  the  securing  the 
remains  of  the  Island  called  nicks  mate,"  and  a  Com- 
mittee was  accordingly  appointed  to  make  the  estimate, 
and  forAvard  Dr.  Eustis,  "  as  soon  as  possible." 

February  7th,  1804,  .  voted  "the  expenses  of  the 
Committee  for  visiting  Nicks  Mate  be  paid  from  the 
funds  of  the  Society,  amtg  $11.00." 

Apparently  Congress  ^vould  not  make  the  appropria- 
tion asked  for.  On  the  i6th  June,  1S04,  the  Society, 
through  a  Committee,  memorialized  the  Governor  of 
the  State,  Caleb  Strong,  on  the  subject.  This  memorial 
is  virtually  a  repetition  of  the  one  sent  to  Congress, 
ending    as    follows:       "The    Boston    Marine     Society 


68  Records  of  the  Boston  ^larine  Society. 

composed  of  men  who  have  experienced  all  the  dangers 
of  Navigation,  and  many  of  them  still  in  actual  service, 
presume  your  Excellency  w^ill  duly  appreciate  the 
motives  w^hich  have  actuated  their  conduct  and  favorably 
receive  this  address  which  is  respectfully  submitted." 
Signed,  Ozias  Goodwin,  Jno.  F.  Williams,  Jas.  Prince, 
Jno.  Chapman  &  Benj.  Homans.  The  Senate,  on  June 
23d,  after  a  preamble,  ^'Resolved  that  there  be  allowed 
&  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  a 
sum  not  exceeding  Three  thousand  dollars,  to  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Marine  Society  in  Boston,  he  to  be 
accountable  for  the  same,  to  be  appropriated  under  the 
direction  of  such  superintendent  as  His  Excellency  the 
Go\'ernor  with  the  advice  of  Council  may  appoint," 
"  for  the  building  a  sufficient  and  permanent  Stone  Wall 
on  said  Island  called  Nicks  Mate,"  etc.,  and  resolving 
that  "  the  accounts  of  the  Cost"  be  laid  before  Congress 
for  "allowance  and  payment,"  the  same  was  "sent 
down  for  Concurrence"  and  "Read  &  Concurred,"  by 
the  House,  "H.  G.  Otis,  Speaker." 

The  next  day,  33d  June,  the  Governor  and  Council 
appointed  Ozias  Goodwin  "to  superintend  the  building  a 
Stone  Wall  to  secure  the  Island  called  Nicks  Mate." 
On  August  7th,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  confer 
with  Dr.  Eustis  upon  the  same  subject.  A  Committee 
previously  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  merits  of  a 
"Treatise  on  Navigation,"  by  Mr.  Osgood  Carleton, 
report  favorably,  and  recommend  the  "work  to  the 
Society  &  to  the  public,  as  a  performance  which  if 
accurately  executed  will  have  a  tendency  to  increase  the 
safety  of  Navigation,  by  aiding  Navigators  in  conducting 
their  Vessels  from  port  to  port."     The  Society  appears 


Records  of  the  Boston  ^Marine   Society.  69 

now,  and  for  a  long  time,  to  have  held  its  meetings  at 
Vila's,  No.  17  Court  Street,  the  Concert  Hall  of  their 
day  and  ours. 

At  the  Annual  Meeting,  6th  November,  1804,  it  w^as 
'"Voted  in  consideration  of  Capt.  N.  B.  Lyde's  being 
left  out  as  Surveyor  —  That  he  be  assisted  with  Forty 
dollars  more  in  addition  to  the  former  grant,  to  be  paid 
him  one  half  at  a  time,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Master." 
The  usual  "  public  dinner"  was  also  voted. 

The  5th  February,  1805,  "Voted  that  Mr.  Dearborns 
information  respecting  an  instrument  which  he  had 
projected  for  propelling  a  vessel  forward  during  a  Calm, 
be  committed  to  the  following  Committee,"  Capts. 
Clement,  Barnard,  and  Homans,  and  they  are  to  report 
thereon. 

March  5th,  180'^,  a  Committee  of  Barnard,  Chapman, 
and  Dennie,  was  appointed  "to  go  to  the  Island  of 
Nicks  Mate  —  so  called  —  view  its  situation,  and  report 
to  the  Society  at  their  next  meeting  what  can  practically 
be  done  to  secure  that  valuable  land  mark,"  etc.  April 
2d,  the  thanks  of  the  Society  were  voted  Wm.  Smith, 
Esq.,  their  "Treasurer  for  his  faithful  services  in  that 
office  for  Ten  7'ears  past^''  that  his  accounts  are  "  per- 
fectly satisfactory  to  this  Society  and  further  that  he  be 
requested  to  continue  in  the  said  office  of  Treasurer." 

At  the  Qviarterly  Meeting,  7th  May,  "The  Committee 
appointed  to  examine  a  machine  invented  by  Mr.  Dear- 
born for  the  purpose  of  propelling  a  vessel  through  the 
water  in  a  Calm,  beg  leave  to  report,  they  duly  waited 
on  that  Gentleman  and  have  carefully  examined  the  said 
Machine,  the  principles  of  which  were  fully  and  clearly 
explained  to  them  by  the  Inventor,  and  your  Committee 


7o       .    Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

although  desirous  of  rendering  justice  to  Mr.  Dearborn 
for  the  ingenuity  of  his  invention,  are  compelled  to 
state,  that  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  inconvenience 
attending  the  bulk  and  weight  of  said  machine,  if  so 
constructed,  as  to  give  it  the  immense  force  and  strength 
required,  would  counterbalance  any  advantages  that 
may  reasonably  be  expected  in  the  course  of  com- 
mercial voyages  ;  they  therefore  with  due  respect  sub- 
mit this  their  report  to  the  further  consideration  of  the 
Society."  Signed,  Thomas  Clement,  jr.,  Chairman  of 
Committee. 

June  4tli,  1S05,  more  report  in  relation  to  that 
"  ancient  landmark  Nicks  Mate."  "A  strong  stone  w^all 
must  be  built  round  the  remains  of  the  same,  sixty 
feet  by  thirty,  not  less  than  fifteen  feet  high,  and  to 
average  six  feet  thick."  ''  The  former  Committee  are 
requested  to  continue  their  services,"  and  "  in  every 
way  to  give  their  assistance,  consistent  with  the  rules 
and  regulations  of  this  Society." 

August  6th,  1S05,  a  letter  was  read  from  Capt.  John 
Harvey,  "giving  an  account  of  his  Remarks  on  the 
Bahama  Banks  &  Channel ;"  thanks  were  voted  him  and 
the  matter  referred  to  the  "Committee  on  Observations." 

November  5th,  at  the  Annual  Meeting,  further  reports 
were  made  as  to  what  had  been  done,  and  what  remained 
to  be  done  at  and  about  Nix's  Mate,  its  wall,  column, 
etc.,  and  a  statement  that  they  had  ''applied  to  the 
Le«:islature  of  this  State  for  Four  thousand  dollars 
additional  sum  to  compleat  the  work,  which  simi  was 
granted." 

March  4th,  1806,  a  "Committee  appointed  to  draft 
a  Certificate  to  be  used  bv  the  Surveyors  of  the  Port  of 


Records  of  the  Boston  Mai'ine  Society.  71 

Boston,"  make  their  report  and  submit  a  form  of  certifi- 
cate. The  "Council  of  this  Commonweahh"  having 
asked  the  "opinion  of  the  Marine  Society,"  with 
reference  to  a  petition  of  Boston  Pilots  for  an  increase 
of  rates  of  pilotage,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
"  confer  with  them  for  that  purpose." 

Constantly  recurring  resolutions,  reports,  and  confer- 
ences as  to  beacons,  buoys,  stone  columns,  wooden  tow- 
ers, etc..  in  and  about  the  harbor  of  Boston,  continue, 
showing  conclusively  the  usefulness  of  the  Society  and 
the  high  value  it  held  in  Federal  and  State  estimation. 

August  6th.  1S06.  in  answer  to  a  letter  from  the 
School  Committee  of  Lynn,  respecting  "  the  Education 
of  the  children  of  deceased  Seamen  and  wishing  the  aid 
of  the  vSociety  in  perfecting  a  plan  for  that  purpose," 
voted,  "  that  the  Master  be  requested  to  answer  the  same 
&  inform  ye  Gentn,  that  the  Funds  of  this  Societ}^  will 
not  imbrace  that  object." 

November  4th.  1S06,  the  Committee  chosen  to  audit 
the  accounts  find,  "  the  total  amt  of  Stock  is  Thirteen 
thousand  one  hundred  &  fifty-five  dollars  y^^^j,  exclusive 
of  Tavo  hundred  fortv  Eight  dollars  62  cents  Cash  which 
remains  in  the  Treasurers  hands." 

After  the  usual  business  was  gone  through,  and  resolu- 
tions passed  to  make  Honorary  members  pay  up  their 
arrears,  it  ^vas  voted,  "  That  the  Boston  Marine  Society 
feel  themselves  under  obligations  to  Wm.  Smith  Esqr 
for  the  faithful  services  as  Treasurer  during  the  space  of 
Twelve  years,  and  as  a  token  of  our  grateful  respect  and 
regard,  the  Society  request  and  hereby  authorize  the 
Master  and  Depy  Master,  to  present  him  in  behalf  of 
the  Societv  in  such  ^vay  as  they  may  think  most  proper, 


72  Recoj'ds  of  the  Bosto7i  Marine  Society. 

with  a  purse  containing  Tiventy  JEagles  to  be  taken 
from  the  Funds,  and  as  a  remuneration  to  him  for  his 
Expences  &  services  rendered  to  this  institution." 

At  this  meeting,  seven  members  were  voted  out  of  the 
Society,  they  ''  not  having  complied  with  the  Constitu- 
tion and  Bye  Laws  thereof." 

The  year  1S07  seems  to  have  been  an  uneventful  one. 
The  Society  met,  voted  sundry  reliefs,  admitted  sundry 
members,  notified  the  delinquent  ones,  took  action  on 
the  pilots  and  pilot  laws,  leaving  nothing  on  record 
^vorthy  of  reproduction. 

The  5th  April,  180S,  voted  "  To  relieve  Mrs.  Lyde 
on  her  application  when  her  late  Husband  Nathl  B. 
Lyde  lies  dead  in  the  house,  and  the  Family  in  circum- 
stances of  great  distress,  so  as  to  require  immediate 
assistance  —  v^dth  the  Sum  of  Fifty  dollars." 

At  this  meeting,  a  committee  appointed  the  October 
previous,  report  in  favor  ''of  amending  &  inlarging 
their  Charter."  The}-  advise  no  assessments  of  Honor- 
ary members  "  but  wdiat  they  may  subscribe  or  give  to 
the  Funds  at  the  time  of  their  admission."  Recommend 
the  annual  election  of  a  Board  of  Trustees,  "  to  whose 
care  shall  be  committed  all  the  prudentials  of  the 
Society,"  and  that  "  they  shall  take  Bonds  of  the 
Treasurer  at  their  discretion,"  and  otherwise  prescribe 
their  duties. 

August  3d,  iSoS,  a  committee  was  appointed  *•"  to 
confer  with  General  Lincoln  respecting  the  Marine 
Hospital,  and  to  request  his  opinion  on  the  expediency 
of  admitting  disabled  and  distressed  Seamen  into  the 
Hospital,  and  to  take  such  other  measures  on  the  subject 
as  may  be  necessary  to  effect  the  purpose." 


Records  of  the  Bostoii  JSIai'ine  Society.  73 

Tuesday  evening,  September  6th,  iSoS,  bears  this 
record:  '"Present  Capts  John  Bait,  Benj.  Homans. 
Hard  Rain  Avith  Thunder  &  Lightning  prevented  the 
attendance  of  members."  "  Pd  Vila  for  Room  $3.00. 
for  Notifications,  $3.00." 

At  the  Annual  Meeting,  ist  November,  it  was  voted, 
"  That  the  Committee  appointed  to  petition  the  Legisla- 
ture for  an  addition  to  the  Original  Charter  be  authorized 
to  add  a  clause  respecting  the  Port  Wardens,  namely 
that  this  Societv  have  po^ver  to  appoint  Port  Wardens 
and  Survevors  of  Ships  and  Goods  on  freight  \vhen 
damao^ed  on  the  Vovas^e.  from  among;  the  Members  of 
ye  Society  and  have  po^ver  to  regulate  the  Fees  of 
Survev  accordino;lv." 

Voted,  "  To  dispense  having  an  Annual  Dinner  in 
consequence  of  the  embarrassed  State  of  Commerce  &c." 

Februarv  7th,  1S09,  it  was  voted,  "  That  Mr.  John 
Wilson  be  recommended  to  the  Governor  &  Council  as 
a  capable  Person  to  be  appointed  a  Branch  Pilot,"  and  a 
Committee  ^vas  appointed  "  to  enquire  into  the  State  of 
the  Pilotage  of  the  Harbour  of  Boston." 

On  the  7th  March,  1809,  "  The  Committee  appointed 
5th  April  iSoS  to  applv  to  the  General  Court  of  the 
CommouAvealth  for  an  additional  Act  to  enlarge  the 
po\vers  of  our  Incorporation,  Report  that  they  have 
attended  to  that  business  &  now  lav  before  the  Society 
an  attested  Copy  of  a  Law  which  passed  the  Legislature 
at  their  late  Session  for  the  above  purpose,"  and  there 
is  recorded  the  Act  of  1S09,  now  printed  in  the  pamphlet 
of  By-Laws.  At  this  ineeting  a  committee  of  three  was 
appointed  "to  enquire  into  the  expediency  of  removing 
the  Society  to  meet  in  some  other  place,  and  to  enquire 


74  Rcco7'ds  of  the  Boston  Mariiie  Society. 

where  a  convenient  and  suitable  Room  may  be  found  for 
the  Society  to  meet  in  future." 

May  3d,  the  Committee  reported,  that  "  they  had 
found  a  convenient  Room  and  other  accommodations  at 
the  Exchange  Coffee  House  in  Congress  Street,"  and  the 
Societ}^  "Voted  Unanimousl}'  that  the  meetings  of  the 
Boston  Marine  Society  shall  in  future  be  held  at  the 
Exchange  Coffee  House  and  that  the  same  Committee 
be  authorized  to  enter  into  an  agreement  for  a  Room  by 
the  year  or  otherwise,"  and  the  meeting  w^as  adjourned, 
to  meet  next  at  the  hotel  above  named,  a  house  that 
most  of  us  remember,  and  some  of  us  have  lived  in 
temporarily.  It  is  noticeable  at  many  of  the  meetings, 
that  in  balloting  for  new  members,  rejection  is  not 
unusual. 

October  3d,  1S09,  a  committee  of  three  was  chosen, 
"to  confer  with  Genl  Dearborn  the  Collector  of  the 
Port  on  the  expediency  of  Building  a  Stone  Column  on 
the  Spit  of  Sand  at  the  Narrows,  and  to  consult  on  the 
best  mode  of  carrying  such  a  plan  into  execution." 

Thanks  were  likewise  voted  "  Wm  Tudor  Esqr 
Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  for  his  attention  and 
services  in  getting  the  Additional  Act  to  the  Charter 
passed  during  the  late  Session  of  the  Legislature,  and 
that  his  Account  of  sums  due  be  ballanced  in  full  up  to 
November  1S09,"  and  with  the  end  of  this  meeting,  end 
the  Records  of  Book  A. 

In  Book  B,  we  first  find  a  copy  of  the  Charter,  and 
the  then  recently  amended  By-Laws,  follov^^ed  by  signa- 
tures of  many  members  of  the  Society. 

The  first  meeting  recorded  is  that  of  November  7th, 
1S09,    held    at    the    Exchange    Coffee    House.       By  the 


.»»♦.. 


Records  of  the  Bostofi  Ma7'ine  Society.  75 

Treasurer's  accounts,  it  appears  the  Society  had  on  that 
date  a  net  sum  of  credits,  amounting  to  $13,945.94. 
The  usual  reliefs  were  voted,  and  the  ordinary  business 
of  the  Societ}'  gone  through  w^ith,  and  it  v^^as  voted, 
"That  the  Society  celebrate  their  Anniversary,  and  have 
a  Dinner  at  the  Exchange  Coftee  House  the  i6th 
current." 

At  the  meeting  of  6th  February,  1810,  various  resolu- 
tions wxre  adopted,  putting  the  screws  on  delinquent 
members,  of  whom  there  seemed  more  than  a  fair 
percentage,  and  it  was  submitted  by  the  Committee 
appointed  to  report  thereon,  that  the  Society  should 
"  regulate  the  manner  of  making  demands  of  the  Execu- 
tors or  Administrators  of  deceased  inembers  within  the 
period  prescribed  by  Law^  for  the  settlement  of  Estates," 
in  order  to  collect  the  amounts  due.  The  members  of 
that  day,  while  allowing  liberality  as  wxll  as  mercy,  to 
season  justice,  were  evidently  indisposed  to  favor  those 
who  had  dodged  their  liabilities. 

A  Committee  was  "  appointed,  to  call  on  Joseph 
Callender,  Executor  to  the  Will  of  Capt.  William 
Brown  deceased  Member,  and  in  the  name  of  the 
Society  to  ask  Mr.  Callender  what  legacy  Capt.  Brown 
had  left  to  the  Boston  Marine  Society  and  to  receive  the 
same  and  give  a  discharge  therefor." 

At  the  next  meeting,  on  March  6th,  18 10,  v^^e  learn 
that  "  according  to  the  Will  Mr.  Callender  paid  one 
hundred  Dollars,  for  which  the  President  gave  receipt 
in  full." 

At  the  meetings  of  May  ist  and  June  6th,  reports  and 
resolutions  as  to  proceedings  against  delinquent  inembers 
w^ere  in  order,  wdth  full  reports  as    to    experiments    of 


BOSTON  COUiQE  UBRWW 
CHESTNUT  HJU.  MASS. 


76  Records  of  the  Bosto?i  Marine  Society. 

new  arrangements  for  reflectors,  and  other  improve- 
ments of  lights  for  light-houses,  carefully  watched  from 
w^ell-defined  positions  in  the  harbor  and  bay,  occupy 
several  pages,  and  a  communication  from  Capt.  Samuel 
Hill,  as  to  some  "  Rocks  discovered  by  him  in  the 
South  Atlantic  Ocean  on  board  the  ship  '  Otter '  of  this 
Port,"  was  also  read  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Observation. 

The  nth  July  meeting,  a  letter  "from  General  H. 
Dearborn  Collector  of  the  Port "  was  read,  requesting 
"  advice  of  this  Society  respecting  the  most  suitable  spot 
w^hereon  to  erect  a  Beacon  or  Stone  Column  at  the 
entrance  of  the  Harbor  of  Boston." 

From  the  record  of  4th  September,  1810,  we  learn 
that  each  branch  pilot  was  compelled  by  law  "  to  keep 
one  good  decked  Boat  of  not  less  than  twelve  Tons 
burthen." 

At  the  December  meeting,  18 10,  is  found  this  record, 
which  must  have  been  an  innovation  then,  and  has  never 
been  followed,  earnesth',  as  a  precedent,  since,  viz : 
"  Capt.  William  Machett  declined  serving  as  a  Port 
Warden,  and  he  being  excused,  Capt.  Michael  Hopkins 
was  unanimously  chosen  in  his  stead."  When  this 
meeting  adjourned,  it  was  "  to  meet  next  month  at 
Concert  Hall." 

Februar}^  5th,  iSii,  a  "  Petition  to  the  Legislature  on 
the  subject  of  Port  Wardens"  was  read  and  accepted. 
What  the  purport  of  it,  does  not  appear,  but  one  can 
scarcely  help  thinking,  it  may  have  been  begotten  of 
Capt.  Machett's  resignation. 

A  "  petition  of  a  Number  of  Persons  on  Cape  Cod  to 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  praying  that  a  Light 


Records  of  the  JBoston  Mariiie  Society.  77 

House  may  be  erected  on  Race  Point,  with  a  letter  on 
the  subject  signed  by  Wm  Gallager  a  Branch  Pilot 
at  Provincetown "  ^vas  read,  "and  a  Committee  was 
appointed  to  confer  with  Genl  Dearborn,  Collector," 
and  after  such  conference,  "  proceed  as  they  shall  judge 
best." 

The  meeting  of  April  2d,  181 1,  is  remarkable  for  this 
fact,  that  upon  the  ballot  being  cast  for  the  admission 
of  the  Hon.  Samuel  Dana,  as  member,  the  result  sho^ved 
"  eight  black,  and  two  white  balls,  and  he  w^as  not 
admitted  a  member."  The  black  balls  appear  in  late 
years  to  have  fallen  into  disuse. 

It  seems  that  some  question  had  arisen  as  to  the 
meaning  of  the  w^ord  "  Children,"  entitled  by  laws  of 
the  Society  to  relief,  and  at  this  meeting,  the  following 
"opinion  of  Judge  Parker"  was  given,  as  explanatory 
thereof: — 

"The  word  Children  in  the  14th  Section,  technically 
in  legal  instruments  means  all  the  issue  of  a  man  of 
w^hatever  age,  and  sometimes  means  even  Grandchil- 
dren. But  in  such  an  Association  as  that  of  the  Marine 
Society,  it  may  according  to  the  original  meaning  of  the 
framers,  be  restricted  to  minor  Children  only,  and  if 
such  has  been  the  usage  in  construing  the  term,  I  have 
no  doubt  such  would  now  be  the  legal  construction. 

(Sigijed)     J.  Parker." 

The  6th  August,  181 1,  the  Committee  previously 
appointed,  reported  in  favor  of  a  light-house  and  light 
at  Race  Point,  and  a  new  committee  was  appointed  to 
"draft  a  petition    to  Congress"   asking   for    the   same. 


^S  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

When  drafted,  "  the  Seal  of  the  Society  be  affixed 
thereto,"  and  "the  President  be  requested  to  hand  the 
same  to  the  Hon.  Josiah  Qiiincy  to  be  by  him  presented 
to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States." 

Various  complaints,  recommendations,  and  commit- 
tees, are  heard  and  instructed,  as  to  the  conduct  of  the 
pilot  service  of  Boston.  On  ist  October,  iSii,  a 
''  Committee  was  appointed  to  confer  with  Genl  Dear- 
born Collector  of  the  Port  respecting  the  new  Light 
House  erected  at  the  entrance  of  Scituate  Harbor  "  etc. 
A  special  meeting  was  held  on  the  9th  October,  when 
the  Committee  recommended  the  Society  should  "  send 
a  request  to  the  Secty  of  the  Treasury  to  have  the 
lighting  of  the  House  suspended  until  March  next  to 
give  sufficient  time  for  the  Ships  now  out  to  return,  and 
to  give  public  notice  as  early  as  possible  of  the  time  it 
is  to  be  lighted,"  and  that  "  if  some  method  could  be 
taken  to  make  the  Light  different  from  others  in  Boston 
Bay,  it  would  add  to  the  Safety  of  the  Navigator." 
Other  resolutions  were  passed,  and  a  letter  written  to 
the  Hon.  Albert  Gallatin,  Secretary  of  State,  on  the 
subject,  from  which  is  extracted  the  following : — 

"  In  this  instance  Sir  it  may  not  be  irrelevant  to 
state  to  you  the  situation  in  which  this  Society  is  and 
has  been  placed  for  many  years  to  demonstrate  more 
clearly  their  motives  on  this  occasion.  The  Boston 
Marine  Society  is  an  Association  of  old  and  respectable 
Ship  Masters  formed  the  year  1742,  with  a  view  to 
promote  the  general  interests  of  navigation  and  to  assist 
the  unfortunate  Members  and  their  families,  since  which 
period  this  Society  has  increased  in  members  and  respec- 
tability, with  an  accumulation  of  considerable  funds,  and 


Records  of  the  Boston  Afarine  Society.  79 

is  now  composed  of  upwards  of  One  hundred  former 
Ship  Masters  who  have  retired  from  Sea  with  adequate 
fortunes,  many  of  whom  are  largely  interested  in  the 
insurance  Offices  and  as  Underw^riters,  and  about  fifty 
of  the  most  respectable  merchants  &  Ship  Owners  and 
Gentlemen  of  the  highest  Stations  in  the  Common- 
\vealth,  the  rest  of  the  Society  is  composed  of  the  more 
active  and  younger  Mariners  who  still  follow  the  Seas  as 
a  professional  business.  The  importance  of  this  Society 
connected  with  the  knowledge  &  experience  of  its 
Members,  has  been  recognized  by  the  Legislature  of 
this  State  in  various  instances,  and  their  immediate 
agency  and  recommendation  are  necessary  to  the 
appointment  of  Pilots  and  many  other  officers  connected 
with  the  general  affairs  of  Commerce." 

This  furnishes  a  very  fair  summary  of  the  Society, 
its  usefulness  and  purposes  at  that  dav.  The  rest  of  the 
letter,  w^hich  is  quite  voluminous,  recites  the  lights  and 
dangers  of  the  Bay,  and  pleads  for  Scituate  Light  being 
so  distinguished  it  can  be  mistaken  for  no  other.  This 
is  followed  by  a  petition  to  Congress,  on  the  same 
subject,  equally  liberal  in  its  description  of  the  Bay  and 
the  Society ;  both  signed  by  Jonathan  Chapman, 
President,  and  Benjamin  Homans,  Secretary. 

At  the  Annual  meeting  of  November,  iSii,  there  is  a 
lengthy  report  from  a  committee  appointed  to  look  into 
the  matter  of  proper  procedure  towards  the  members 
that  have  failed  in  payment  of  their  dues  to  the  Society. 
We  extract  from  it  as  follows:  "The  petitions  from 
widow^s  and  orphans  of  deceased  members  vs^hich  \vill 
doubtless  be  presented  at  the  annual  meeting  soliciting 
relief  from  the  funds,  bear  an   impressive  testimony  to 


8o  Rccoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

the  correctness  of  these  observations,  and  while  we 
have  the  satisfaction  of  pouring  in  '  our  oil  and  wine,' 
to  their  relief  from  the  respectable  amount  to  which  the 
Funds  have  arrived  by  the  exactitude  of  a  vast  portion 
of  our  members,  it  cannot  but  operate  as  a  conclusive 
and  irresistible  reason  that  we  should  dismiss  from  our 
Records  those  Drones  who  tho'  they  possess  the  means 
have  not  the  heart  to  contribute  even  their  pledged  mite 
to  the  cause  of  Charity  and  beneficence." 

"Your  Committee  forbear  to  personify  in  this  report, 
those  w^ho  have  replied  to  the  frequent  requests  of  the 
proper  officers  for  payment  of  assessments,  in  terms 
unbecoming  the  members  of  a  charitable  institution." 
They  then  proceed  to  recommend  the  expulsion  of  four- 
teen members.  A  letter  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be 
filed,  from  Albert  Gallatin,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
respecting  Scituate  Light ;  the  annual  dinner  w^as  ordered 
for  the  13th  inst  at  Concert  Hall,  and  the  record  ends  as 
follo\vs  :  "The  business  of  the  annual  Meeting  closed 
w^ith  refreshments." 

The  3d  December,  iSii,  a  committee  reported  favor- 
ably on  Capt.  Winslow  Lewis's  modes  of  lighting 
Boston  and  Cape  Ann  Lights,  considering  them  "far 
superior  to  any  we  are  accj^uainted  with  in  any  port 
of  the  L^nited  States."  The  Secretary  was  "directed  to 
address  a  Letter  to  John  Montgomery  Esqr.  as  a 
Member  of  this  Society  and  express  the  satisfaction  the 
Boston  Marine  Society  feel  in  his  return  to  this  town 
&  to  request  to  know  from  him  wdiether  he  still  con- 
siders himself  a  Member  of  this  Society."  It  is  a 
matter  of  doubt  whether  this  vote  is  a  bit  of  quiet  irony, 
or  real  flunkvism. 


Records  of  the  Boston  ^larine  Society.  8i 

January  7th,  1S12,  "  A  Letter  addressed  to  the  Presi- 
dent, from  a  number  of  Clergymen  of  Boston  and  the 
neighborhood  was  read  and  the  following  Gentlemen 
appointed  a  Committee  to  confer  with  them  on  the 
subject."  What  the  subject  was  does  not  appear  at 
present,  but  at  the  succeeding  meeting,  March  3d,  181 2, 
we  learn  the  object  ^vas,  ''ameliorating  the  moral  and 
religious  condition  of  Seamen."  Verbal  reports  were 
made — but  are  not  recited  —  and  it  was  voted  "That  the 
Members  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society  will  cheerfully 
lend  their  aid  in  support  of  the  benevolent  designs 
of  the  Clergy  in  reforming  the  Seamen,"  etc.,  and  a 
committee  was  appointed,  "to  co-operate  with  the 
Reverend  Gentlemen  of  the  Clergy,  and  to  aid  in 
procuring  subscriptions  to  defray  the  exj)enses  thereof." 

The  7th  April,  1812,  is  chiefly  remarkable  for  the 
very  emphatic  definition  there  given  of  what  is  even 
no\v  a  debated  question,  viz:  "That  all  vessels  having 
Coasting  Licences  are  and  ought  to  be  considered  as 
Coasting  Vessels,  and  all  vessels  that  trade  regularly 
between  the  Ports  of  the  United  States  —  and  no  others." 

The  14th  April  saw  a  special  meeting  called  to  give 
special  recommendation  as  to  method  and  management 
of  Scituate  Light.  Matters  of  relief,  appointment,  pro- 
motion and  dismissal  of  pilots,  v^ith  other  Society  mat- 
ters, unimportant  now,  continue  till  the  Annual  meeting, 
November  3d,  181 2.  On  that  occasion  Wm.  Smith 
resigned  the  ofiice  of  Treasurer,  and  is  was  voted  "That 
he  have  the  thanks  of  the  Society  for  his  faithful  services 
while  Treasurer,  a  period  of  seventeen  years,  in  which 
time  the  funds  of  the  Society  have  increased  from 
$5,495  85c    to    $15,011   94c,    making    an     increase    of 


82  Records  of  the  Bosto7i  ^larine  Society. 

$9,516  09c,  that  is  the  amount  of  Stock  Specie  Value 
Janry  1795,  amounted  to  $5,495  S5C,  and  on  Nov.  3d, 
1S13,  to  $15,011  94c,  as  it  now  stands  as  per  schedule 
h  acct  on  file." 

At  this  meeting  it  was  found  that  a  custom  having 
prevailed  for  the  late  President  to  hold  the  chair 
throughout  the  meeting,  when  a  new  President  had  been 
elected,  was  "improper  and  withal  incorrect,"  it  was 
voted,  "  That  as  soon  as  the  new  President  is  elected 
he  immediately  take  the  chair  and  preside  as  such  & 
commence  the  duties  of  his  office  &c."  Voted,  ''That 
the  Society  have  no  Annual  dinner  this  year  in  conse- 
quence of  the  distressed  situation  of  Commerce  and  our 
beloved  Country." 

''The  business  of  the  Annual  Meeting  closed  by 
refreshments  and  Members  all  dispersed  by  ^  past  8 
P.  AI." 

No  business  of  special  record  marks  the  meetings  of 
the  Society  from  this  date  till  ist  March,  1814,  when  a 
committee  was  appointed  "to  consider  the  expediency 
of  having  a  Harbor  Master  for  the  Port  of  Boston  and 
Charlestown,  and  if  expedient  to  designate  the  duties  to 
be  performed  and  the  compensation  he  shall  receive 
therefor  and  report  to  be  made  at  the  next  quarterly 
meeting." 

On  May  3d,  1S14,  the  Committee  reported  it  of  the 
"first  importance  to  the  security  and  convenience  of 
vessels  arriving  at  these  ports  that  such  an  officer  should 
be  appointed  ;"  they  suggest  the  appointment  should  vest 
in  the  Governor  and  Council,  and  give  a  full  summary 
of  what  they  conceive  should  be  his  powers  and  duties. 
They  give   as   furnished  by  the  then   Collector  of   this 


Records  of  the  Boston  Maririe   Society.  83 

Port,  the  number  of  vessels  arriving  from  foreign  ports, 
with  their  tonnasfe  as  follows  : 


Year. 

No.  of  Vessels. 

Tons. 

1S04 

890 

112,391 

1S05 

920 

122,231 

1S06 

1083 

138,203 

1S07 

9S5 

134.S36 

iSoS 

376 

48,187 

1S09 

534 

67,095 

1810 

727 

95o56 

1811 

615 

92,634 

In  eight  years,      -      6,120  811,133 

showing  an  average  tonnage  per  vessel  of  132!^  tons. 
They  say  "as  the  arduous  duties  of  this  office  will 
require  great  energy  in  their  execution  a  suitable  com- 
pensation should  be  made  to  a  man  of  adequate  talents," 
and  recommend  petitions  and  suggestions  to  the  General 
Congress,  the  Legislature,  and  Collector  of  the  port. 

July  5th,  1814,  is  the  following  record  :  "This  meet- 
ing was  called  to  consider  and  act  upon  the  following 
eommunication  from  the  Selectmen  of  Boston  bv  their 
Committee  Benj.  Weld,  Esqr." 

July    ist,    18 14. 
To    jfo/in    Holland   Esq?'^    Pi'esidejit    of    the    Boston 

Marine  Society  : 

Sir  : — The  Board  of  Selectmen  having  consulted 
those  Members  of  the  Honorable  Council  composing  the 
Military  Committee  under  the  direction  of  the  Governor 
of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  and  also  the 
Commandant  of  the  Navy  department  Commodore 
Bainbridge.  and  those  Gentlemen  having  recommended 
among  other  defences  of  the  Tov^ai  of  Boston,  to  prepare 


84  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

a  number  of  Hulks  to  sink  in  the  Channel  between 
Forts  Warren  &  Independence,  the  Board  appointed  the 
luidersigned  a  Committee  to  see  their  vote  to  that  effect 
carried  into  execution.  I  have  therefore  to  solicit  thro 
A'ou  the  aid  and  advice  of  the  Trustees  and  such  other 
members  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society  as  they  shall 
see  fit  to  appoint,  in  carrying  the  order  of  the  Board 
of  Selectmen  into  effect,  it  is  their  wish  to  obtain 
a  number  of  Hulks  on  Loan  of  those  Gentlemen  Ship 
owners  who  are  patriotically  inclined  to  aid  in  the 
defence  of  our  Harbor,  to  receive  compensation  for  such 
damage  as  the  Vessels  may  sustain,  and  in  case  of  total 
loss  that  the  Vessels  should  be  appraised,  at  the  time 
they  are  loaned,  in  order  that  a  fair  price  may  be  paid 
therefor,  and  which  the  subscriber  in  behalf  of  the 
Board  of  Selectmen  for  the  Town  of  Boston  will  give 
his  obligation.  It  is  their  request  also  that  a  Committee 
of  your  Society  to  ascertain  the  w^idth  and  depth  of  the 
Channel  where  it  would  be  necessary  to  sink  the  Hulks, 
and  also  to  enquire  for  and  obtain  such  Vessels  as  \vill 
answer  for  this  purpose  on  the  above  conditions.  It  is 
likewise  respectfully  requested  that  the  Gentlemen  of 
the  Marine  Society  would  suggest  the  best  means  of 
raising  the  Vessels  after  they  are  sunk  if  necessity  should 
require  it,  and  appoint  one  or  more  persons  to  see  them 
prepared  and  moored  in  their  proper  destination,  and 
the  necessary  expenses  attending  this  business  will  be 
defrayed  by  the  Selectmen. 

I  am  most  respectfully  your  Obed.  Servt 

(Signed)      Bexjx  Weld, 
one    of  the    vSelectmen    of  the   Town  of  Boston,   and  a 
Committee  appointed  for  this  special  purpose. 


Records  of  the  Bosto7i  Mai'ine   Society.  S5 

A  committee  of  seven,  Capt.  Holland,  Tristram 
Barnard,  Benjamin  Rich,  Winslow  Lewis,  Samuel 
Eames,  Seth  Webber,  and  Joseph  West,  ^vas  appointed, 
to  report  on  this  matter  at  the  next  quarterly  meeting. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  on  the  3d  August,  1814, 
the  following  report  ^vas  made  by  this  Committee  : 

BosTox,  9th  July,   1S14. 
Sefij.    Weld  Esqr  : 

Sir  : — Haying  received  a  request  from  you  that  the 
Boston  Marine  Society  should  raise  a  Committee  to  aid, 
advise  &  assist  you  in  getting  and  preparing  Hulks  &c. 
The  Society  met  on  Tuesday  evening  last  and  appointed 
a  Committee  of  seven  ^yho  have  had  two  meetings  and 
have  considered  the  business  generally.  They  find  the 
Channell  betsveen  Governors  Island  and  the  Upper 
middle  ground  to  be  about  720  feet  wide  and  t\yenty 
four  feet  deep  at  low  water.  It  will  take  four  or  five 
Hulks  of  220  to  250  tons  to  block  up  the  channel.  The 
expense  of  preparing  and  fitting  said  Hulks,  provided 
they  are  not  sunk  but  returned  to  their  owners  again 
w^ould  exceed  Twelve  thousand  ~  dollars.  If  they  are 
sunk  it  v^^ould  be  impossible  to  calculate  the  expense. 
The  practicabilitv^  of  raising  them  is  at  least  doubtful  if 
they  are  to  continue  any  considerable  time  sunk.  The 
injury  to  the  Channel  and  Town  might  be  of  great 
importance.  The  Commiittee  therefore  think  the  meas- 
ure inexpedient  and  hope  some  other  means  of  defence 
Avill  be  adopted.  Altho  it  does  not  immediately  come 
under  the  instructions  of  the  Committee  to  advise  to 
other  measures,  yet  as  they  are  placed  in  responsible 
situations,  they  ^vish  to  suggest  to  you  the  great  impor- 
tance   of    Fortifying   Noddles    Island,    a    situation    that 


S6  Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society. 

Military  men  acknowledge  may  command  our  upper 
Harbor.  Works  might  be  constructed  and  cannon 
placed  there  at  a  small  expense  and  a  small  detachment 
of  the  artillery  do  the  duty.  You  would  then  have  a 
rallying  point  and  cover  for  a  certain  part  of  your  Town 
militia  w^iich  might  in  a  very  short  time  be  put  into 
Forts  provided  you  have  boats  ready  for  that  purpose. 
We  w^ould  also  suggest  to  you,  the  expediency  of  having 
temporary  works  made  on  the  North  Battery  Wharf  or 
any  other  wharf  a  Military  Committee  may  think  best. 
In  case  of  general  alarm  there  would  undoubtedly  be 
great  confusion,  the  men  w4io  are  to  defend  your  tow^n 
ought  to  have  works  to  protect  them. 

\V^ith  respect  your  Obedt  Servnts, 

Signed  by  all  the  Committee. 
Benj.    Weld  Esqr  and  all  the  Selectmq7i  of  the    To'iV7i 
of  Boston  &c: 

Time,  which  changes  all  things,  however,  soon 
changed  the  Society's  opinion.  On  the  9th  September, 
following,  a  special  meeting  was  called  at  Concert  Hall, 
at  which  forty-one  members  were  present,  and  the 
President  read  the  following  : 

"  The  undersigned  appointed  a  Committee  by  the 
honorable  the  Council  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massa- 
chusetts, to  enquire  of  the  vSelectmen  and  of  the  Marine 
Societv  of  the  Town  of  Boston  their  opinion  respecting 
the  expediency  and  utility  of  sinking  Hulks  or  other 
Obstructions  in  any  part  of  Boston  Harbor,  for  the 
purpose  of  impeding  the  approach  of  Enemys  vessels  of 
War  to  the  Town  ;  of  the  facility  when  the  danger  has 


Recoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Mai'ine  Society.  87 

ceased  of  removing  such  obstructions,  and  of  the  risque 
of  injury  which  might  arise  therefrom  to  the  navigation 
and  Harbour  of  Boston,  and  also  the  most  advantageous 
positions  for  their  location  should  it  be  deemed  safe  and 
desirable  to  make  them,  Respectfully  request  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Boston  Marine  Society  to  favor  them  with 
the  opinion  above  referred  to  in  writing,  as  speedily  as 
a  due  consideration  of  subjects  so  important  will  allow. 

(Signed)      B.  Pickman  Jr. 
Council  Chamber, 

Thursday  noon  Septr  8th  1814. 

John  Hollaitd  Esqr  President  jBoston  Mai'ine  Society. 

The  subject  being,  in  the  words  of  the  record,  "  freely 
discussed,"  a  committee  of  seven  was  appointed  to 
"  draft  an  answer  expressive  of  the  opinion  of  the 
Society"  and  it  here  follows  : 

9th  September,  1814. 
To   the    Committee    appoiitted   by  the  Hoiible    Council 
to    confer   with    the    Selectmen    (&  Marine   Society 
on    the   expediency   of   sinking   Hulks    in    Boston 
Harbor  : 

Gen'n  :  —  The  Marine  Society  considering  the  alarm- 
ing situation  of  the  Town  of  Boston  deem  it  expedient 
that  Hulks  should  be  at  this  time  provided,  fitted  and 
got  to  their  situation  ready  for  sinking  which  can  be 
effected  in  a  few  hours  after  orders  are  given  for  that 
purpose.  The  situation  best  adapted  for  effectually 
blocking  up  the  channel  appears  to  be  rising  of  the 
upper  middle  ground  above  Forts  Independence  & 
Warren,  a    situation   where    the    forts    can   keep    up    a 


88  Records  of  the  Boston  Mai'ine  Society. 

continual  Fire  on  the  Enemy,  and  it  will  be  impossible 
to  approach  the  Town  or  remove  the  Hulks,  while  we 
have  possession  of  the  Forts.  The  Channel  in  the 
situation  pointed  out,  is  about  720  feet  wide  and  twenty 
four  feet  deep  at  low  water,  it  will  require  five  Hulks 
of  2 30  to  350  tons  to  block  it  up.  Common  Merchant 
Ships  can  have  a  passage  over  the  edge  of  the  middle 
■ground.  Altho  some  have  doubted  the  practability 
.of  raising  the  Hulks,  the  general  opinion  is  they  can 
be  raised,  if  proper  vessels  are  procured  and  fitted  in 
the  best  manner  and  we  believe  it  can  be  done  w^ithout 
:any  injury  to  the  Channel  or  Harbour.  The  Society 
have  appointed  a  Committee  of  six  to  aid  and  assist*  in 
procuring  the  Hulks  and  preparing  the  same  who  will 
confer   with   your    Honble    Committee    on   the   subject. 

Signed   by  all  the  Committee. 

Capts.  John  Holland,  Benj.  Rich,  Tristram  Barnard, 
Seth  Webber,  Thomas  Clements,  and  Mr.  Edward  Cruft 
were  made  a  committee  for  the  conference. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  November  ist,  18 14,  the 
usual  business  was  transacted,  and  it  was  voted  to 
dispense  w^ith  the  annual  dinner. 

On  the  1 6th  January,  18 15,  a  special  meeting  was 
held  at  Concert  Hall,  when  a  petition  was  presented, 
''from  a  number  of  members  of  the  Society  and  others 
concerned  in  Navigation,  requesting  the  Society  to  make 
an  application  to  General  Government  of  the  U.  States 
to  have  the  Light  House  at  the  entrance  of  Boston 
Harbour  lighted  during  the  winter  months,  which  being 
read  it  was  Voted,  That  the  President,  Capts.  Tristram 
Barnard,  Benj.  Rich,  &  Winslow  Lewis  be  a  Committee 


Recoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.  89 

to  apply  to  the  Collector  of  the  Port,  stating  to  him  the 
opinion  of  the  Society,  the  utility  and  advantage  that 
would  result  to  the  Coasting  and  other  Trade,  if  the 
prayer  of  the  Petitioners,  should  be  granted." 

Whether  we  are  to  gather  from  this  that  the  Lights 
had  hitherto  never  been  shown  during  the  winter,  or 
only  discontinued  during  the  war,  each  must  judge  for 
himself.  The  vv'ording'  seems  to  favor  the  former 
supposition,  though  it  certainly  seems  strange  that  a 
light,  when  most  needed,  should  be  withheld. 

The  ist  March,  1815,  has  reference  to  a  petition, 
various  opinions,  and  a  voluminous  letter  to  the  Gov- 
ernor and  Council,  on  rates  and  matters  of  pilotage  for 
the  Port  of  Boston,  of  little  or  no  present  interest, 
except  the  following  extract  from  the  latter.  "The 
Boston  Marine  Society  beg  leave  respectfully  to  repre- 
sent, that  the  termination  of  the  late  disastrous  ,War, 
having  enabled  the  Merchants  and  Ship  Owners  to 
resume  their  peaceful  pursuits,  &  many  vessels  being 
about  to  depart  from  our  port,  the  pilotage  for  the 
Harbour  of  Boston  has  become  an  object  of  considerable 
importance,  to  which  the  Society  w^ould  respectfully 
solicit  the  attention  of  the  Executive,"  and  the  main 
value  of  this  is  in  its  reference  to  the  termination  of  the 
vs^ar. 

The  usual  routine  business  of  the  Society  is  recorded 
from  quarter  to  quarter,  officers  chosen,  relief  granted 
to  petitioners  for  it,  discussions  of  pilotage  and  pilots, 
of  not  interest  sufficient  to  repeat.  On  the  2d  January, 
1816,  it  was  voted,  "that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
reply  to  the  Letter  of  Capt.  Winslow  Lewis,  and  to 
ascertain  w^hether  it  vv^ill  be  better  for  the  Navigation 


90  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

coming  into  this  Bay,  to  have  the  Light  house  now  at 
Scituate  removed  to  Race  point,  and  if  so  to  form  a 
pettition  to  Congress  on  the  Subject,  and  to  forward  the 
same  as  soon  as  may  be  found  convenient. 

Committee,  Capts.  Benjamin  Rich, 

William  Sturges, 
George  C.  Lee." 

February  6th,  1816,  it  was  voted,  "that  a  Petition  be 
prepared  by  the  Committee  on  Maritime  improvements 
this  evening,  read  and  accepted,  be  signed  by  them  and 
to  be  offered  to  the  Collector  of  Customs  of  the  port  of 
Boston  and  Charlestow^n  for  his  approbation  and  to  pro- 
cure as  many  Signatures  from  the  Navy  officers  of  the 
U.  States  as  may  be  practible, — and  to  forward  the  same 
to  Congress  as  soon  as  possible,  praying  that  the  Light 
house  on  Situate  be  extinguished  and  to  transfer  the 
same  to  Race  point." 

"Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  letter  of  Mr.  P.  H.  Brosier,  which 
the  president  has  read  and  submitted  to  the  Society, 
respecting  the  altitudes,  and  which  subject  is  submitted 
to  the  following  committee  accordingly. 

Capts.  Geo.  C.  Lee, 
Benja.  Rich, 
William  Sturges." 

February  27th,  1S16,  a  Special  Meeting  was  called  to 
act  on  a  petition  of  several  members  of  the  Society 
praying  that  the  Society  "draft  a  memorial  to  Congress'' 
asking  a  survey  of  the  Coast  "from  the  east  end  of  Long 
Island  to  the  North  eastern  extremity  of  the  province 
of  Maine,"  and  "  more  particularly  the  Shoal  or  Shoals 
of  Georges  and  Nantucket." 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society,  91 

March  5th,  1S16,  voted,  "that  the  ^Secretary  be 
instructed  to  cause  to  be  published  in  the  Columbian 
Centinel  &  Independent  Chronicle  the  following  adver- 
tiseinent :" 

' '  Whereas  information  having  been  given  to  the 
Boston  Marine  Society,  that  certain  persons  has  been 
taking  Ballast  from  Nixes  Mate,  contrary  to  Law, 

Notice  is  hereby  given,  that  any  person  or  persons 
that  may  be  found  takeing  Ballast  or  Stones  from  said 
place,  w^ill  be  prosecuted  as  the  Law  directs." 

On  May  7th,  1816,  the  President  w^as  "requested  to 
w^ait  on  the  Governor  and  Council  to  request  that  a 
suitable  person  be  appointed  to  take  care  of  and  pay 
attention  to  Nickses  mate  and  to  prevent  depredations 
being  committed  thereon,  as  far  as  possible." 

At  a  special  meeting,  21st  May,  "  The  President 
having  received  a  letter  from  Genl  H.  Dearborn  Collec- 
tor of  the  Port  of  Boston  and  Charlestown  respecting 
a  Scite,  and  to  have  surveyed  Land  on  which  to  erect 
a  Light  house  on  Race  point,  &c.,  &c.,"  a  committee 
of  Capts.  Barnard,  tlopkins,  Cruft,  and  Sturgis  were 
appointed  for  the  purpose. 

At  the  same  meeting,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  Collector,  and  ascertain  if  he  could 
"  defer  the  building  of  the  Light  House  in  the  Vineyard 
Sound  untill  it  can  be  ascertained  at  what  place  it  may 
be  most  beneficial  to  the  Vessels  passing  &c." 

October  ist,  1816.  The  President  was  "requested  to 
address  a  letter  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  and  their 
honors  the  Council,  stating  the  Situation  of  a  Ballast 
Lighter  now  laying  sunk  in  the  Channel  between 
Governors    Island    and    Castle    Island,    and    requesting 


92  Records  of  the  Boston  Alarine   Society. 

them  to  consider  and  make  such  order  respecting  the 
same,  as  they  may  judge  proper." 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  5th  November,  1S16,  among 
the  officers  chosen  were  Capts.  Holland,  Barnard,  and 
Sturgis,  "  a  Committee  to  attend  to  the  Regulation  of 
Pilots." 

The  President  was  "  requested  to  make  a  representa- 
tion to  the  Govenor  and  Council  praying  that  they  may 
take  into  consideration  the  depredations  committed  on 
Governors  Island  by  carrying  oft'  the  Ballast  and  doing 
•other  injurries  to  the  great  damage  of  Navigation." 

January  7th,  1S17,  '•' Voted  the  Trustees  do  institute  a 
fine  of  fifty  cents  to  be  paid  by  any  and  every  member 
of  this  Body  who  shall  be  absent  from  the  monthly 
meetings  one  quarter  of  an  hour  after  the  time  specified 
in  their  notification," — "  the  fines  to  be  collected  by  the 
Sectry  and  to  be  appropriated  by  vote  of  the  majority 
of  members  present." 

February  4th,  1S17,  a  committee  was  appointed  "to 
take  into  consideration,  whether  it  be  or  be  not  expe- 
dient to  Erect  a  Light  house  at  the  East  end  of  Long 
Island,  and  to  correspond  with  such  other  Society  as 
are  or  may  be  appointed  to  discuss  that  subject ; "  and 
at  the  Annual  meeting  in  November  following  it  is 
recorded,  that,  "  in  consequence  of  the  Recomimenda- 
tion  ot  the  Committee," — "  this  Society  do  unanimously 
approve  of  the  same,  and  request  the  President  Capt.  B. 
Rich  to  communicate  this  vote  if  required.^' 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  Tuesday,  7th  April,  181S,  "A 
letter  having  been  received  from  Mr.  Thurston  of  the 
Boston  moral  Society  for  the  Instruction  of  the  Poor,  it 
was  moved  and  Seconded  that  a  Committee  be  appointed 


Recoi'ds  of  tJie  Boston  Marine  Society.  93 

to  consider  and  report  on  the  said  Letter  at  the  next 
quarterly  meeting,"  and  at  the  next  quarterly  meeting, 
the  5th  May,  it  was  "  unanimously  Voted,  that  the 
report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Subject  of  the  Commu- 
nication received  from  Mr.  Thurston  be  accepted." 
Unfortunately  that  report  is  unrecorded. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  on  3d  November,  1818,  at 
the  Exchange  Coffee  House,  the  choice  of  officers, 
auditing  of  accounts,  etc.,  was  gone  through  w^ith,  three 
members  were  expelled  for  non-payment  of  dues,  three 
dismissed  at  their  own  requests ;  other  delinquents 
permitted  to  remain  on  the  books  till  the  next  Annual 
meeting,  "for  determination."  Relief  was  voted  sundry 
applicants,  and  then  \nq,  find  the  following  entry  :  '^  The 
House  being  on  fire  &  no  expectation  of  extinguishing 
it,  the  meeting  is  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  at  Concert 
Hall  at  6  Oclock." 

At  the  adjourned  meeting,  on  the  loth  November,  the 
business  of  the  annual  meeting  was  finished.  New 
books  of  the  By-Laws  were  ordered.  The  Committee 
appointed,  reported  in  favor  of  a  light-house  at  Long 
Island,  and  a  copy  of  their  report  was  ordered  to  be 
sent  to  "Johnathan  Mason  Esq.  our  Representative  in 
Congress,"  and  his  influence  in  support  of  the  measure 
was  solicited. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  5th  January,  18 19,  it  was 
"  Voted,  That  the  Vote  of  the  Trustees,  at  this 
meeting  Tuesday  7th  Janry  181 7  relating  to  fines  of 
absent  members  at  the  trustee  meetings  be  and  now  is 
revived,  and  that  all  or  any  members  absent  fifteen 
minutes  after  the  time  Specified  in  the  notification,  be 
fined  fifty  cents  each,  unless  a  sufficient  excuse  be  given 


94  Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

by  such  member  or  members,  and  that  the  fines  now 
due  or  that  hereafter  may  become  due,  be  collected  by 
the  Secretary,  and  the  amount  expended  at  the  monthly 
meeting  in  October  for  Refreshments,  the  true  time  to 
be  ascertained  by  the  watch  of  the  President  or  Chair- 
ilian."     Thomas  English,   Secretary. 

February  2d,  1819,  "  Voted,  That  the  President  be 
requested  to  write  an  answer  to  Solomon  Nye  and 
others  of  Provincetown,  relative  to  the  appointing  a 
Pilot,  and  referring  them  to  the  General  Court." 

The  President  and  Capt.  John  Holland  were  made 
''  a  Committee  to  write  to  the  Members  in  Congress 
from  this  District  and  to  Capt.  Tristm  Barnard  on  the 
Subject  of  Georges  Island  requesting  the  aid  of  Congress 
for  the  protection  of  the  said  Island."  From  what  it 
was  to  be  protected  is  not  apparent,  but  probably  from 
inroads  of  the  sea,  or  of  ballast  men. 

A  special  meeting  "was  held  at  Barnums  Hotel  Old 
Province  House,"  24th  March,  1819,  and  bears  this 
record  :  "In  Consequence  of  a  Letter  received  from  H. 
A.  S.  Dearborn  Esqr  collector  of  the  Port  of  Boston  & 
Superintendant  of  Light  Houses  in  the  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts, requesting  a  Committee  to  be  appointed  to 
designate  a  Site  on  which  to  erect  a  Light  house  on 
Long  Island  in  Boston  Bay,  it  is  proposed  and  Seconded 
that  such  Committee  be  appointed  to  consist  of  five 
persons.  When  the  following  Gentlemen  were  nomi- 
nated Winslow  Lewis,  Benj.  Rich,  Wm.  Sturgis,  Benj. 
Smith  and  Nehemiah  Parsons." 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  6th  April,  1819,  a  communi- 
cation was  received,  relating  to  pilots  and  pilotage 
of    Martha's   Vineyard    and   Nantucket    Shoals,    and    a 


Reco7'ds  of  the  Boston  Alarine   Society.  95 

Committee   of  three    appointed  to   look   into    the    mat- 
ters referred  to. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  3d  August,  "  The  Commit- 
tee on  Vineyard  Pilots  beg  leave  to  report  progress,  but 
on  account  of  the  sickness  of  one  of  the  Committee, 
beg  leave  to  make  further  report  at  a  future  meeting." 

At  a  Trustee  Meeting  at  Forster's  Coffee  House,  Court 
street,  January  4th,  1820,  it  was  voted,  "That  all  the 
fines  heretofore  incurred  by  the  Trustees  for  non  attend- 
ance at  the  Monthly  Meetings,  be  &  are  hereby 
remitted,  and  the  monies  collected  by  the  Secretary  to 
be  returned,  and  paid  at  this  meeting." 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Society  held  at  Forster's 
Coffee  House,  Court  street,  i6th  August  1820,  "  A 
Quorum  of  the  Society  being  present,  it  was  moved 
and  Seconded  that  a  Committee  of  one  be  chosen, 
to  collect  sort  and  Count  the  Votes  for  a  Treasurer,  to 
be  chosen  in  the  room  of  Andrew^  Sigourney  Esqr 
Deceased — v^hen  Capt.  David  Higgins  was  unanimously 
elected." 

"  On  counting  the  Votes  it  was  found  that  William 
Cochran  Esqr,  had  a  unanimous  Vote  for  Treasurer 
of  the  Boston  Marine  Society  for  the  remain.der  of  the 
Current  year  and  is  therefore  elected  Treasurer."  Who 
w^as  in  reality  chosen  Treasurer  would  appear  to  be  in 
doubt,  but  for  the  fact  that  after  sundry  resolutions  as  to 
future  proceedings  looking  to  care  of  the  Society's  funds 
in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Sigourney,  deceased,  we  find  it 
voted,  "That  the  Secretary  notify  Mr.  Cochran  of  his 
been  chosen  Treasurer  of  this  Society." 

At  the  Annual  November  meeting,  1820,  a  petition 
was   read    "from    several    Inhabitants   of    Chatham,    to 


96  Records  of  the  Boston  Mari7ie  Society. 

have  Branch  Pilots  appointed  for  Chatham  &  Nantucket 
Shoals,"  and  a  Committee  of  three  was  appointed  to 
look  into  the  matter.  It  was  likewise  voted,  "  That  a 
Committee  of  three  Gentlemen  be  appointed  to  Petition 
the  Honorable  the  General  Court  of  this  commonwealth 
at  their  next  Session,  Praying  that  this  Society  may  be 
Empowered  at  their  annual  meetings  in  future,  to  choose 
and  appoint  two  or  more  Suitable  persons  to  act  as  Port 
Wardens  and  Surveyors  for  the  harbour  of  Boston,  in 
order  that  the  doeings  of  Such  persons  inay  be  legal  and 
valid  in  Law."  Wm.  Sturgis,  Nathaniel  Curtis,  and 
Winslow  Lewis  were  made  the  committee,  and  it  was 
voted,  "  That  the  Secretary  v^^rite  a  letter  to  the  District 
Judge  of  the  L^nited  States  for  this  District,  the  honor- 
able John  Davis,  informing  him  of  the  names  of  the 
Port  Wardens  appointed  at  this  meeting  &  their  duties." 
For  several  years  past  no  return  appears  of  the 
financial  condition  of  the  Sofciety,  but  at  the  Annual 
meeting,  November  6th,  1820,  the  invested  funds  as 
given  in  bank,  insurance,  and  other  stocks  and 
securities,  show  a  total  of  $18,888.33. 

At  the  Trustee  Meeting,  3d  January,  1821,  the  Com- 
mittee previously  appointed,  reported  in  favor  of  buoys 
on  Nantucket  Shoals,  and  to  petition  Congress  for  the 
same,  and  another  committee,  to  whom  the  matter  was 
referred,  reported,  "  inexpedient  to  have  Branches 
granted  for  Piloting  Vessels  into  Chatham  Harbour." 

At   the    quarterly    meeting,    ist   May,    1821,    it   was 
"Voted,    That   the    Committee    appointed    to    pettition 
the  Honorable  the   General  Court   for    the    purpose    of 
empowering  the  Society  to   appoint   Port  Wardens  for  , 
the  Port  of  Boston,  be  discharged  from  that  duty,  being 


Records  of  the  Boston  Alai'hie  Society.  97 

deemed  inexpedient,  and  unanimously  voted  accord- 
ingly." Another  resolution  with  reference  to  pilotage 
of  the  port,  was  passed. 

A  special  meeting  was  called,  25th  July,  to  elect  a 
Treasurer,  in  place  of  William  Cochran,  deceased,  and 
Joseph  Tilden  w^as  elected. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  on  the  6th  November,  182 1, 
it  was  voted,  "That  Nathan  Bridge,  Charles  Bradbury 
and  G.  Cook  Jr  Esqr  be  requested  to  designate  the  time 
during  the  Summer  Season  w^hen  this  Society  may  have 
a  Dinner  in  the  lower  harbor,  and  for  that  purpose  to 
engage  the  Steam  Boat,  and  to  collect  the  names  of  such 
members  as  may  choose  to  attend  on  that  occasion,  to 
provide  the  same,  and  to  regulate  and  order  all  proper 
and  necessary  things  accordingly." 

This  is  specially  worthy  of  notice,  as  being  the  first 
mention  of  steam  in  the  records.  "  A  list  of  Stock  and 
other  securities  the  property  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Society,"  as  shown  at  this  meeting,  foots  up  $19,138.33, 
which  amount  is  receipted  for  by  Joseph  Tilden, 
Treasurer. 

At  a  meeting  held  at  the  Exchange  Coffee  House,  on 
the  2d  May,  1822,  it  was  voted,  "  that  the  Hon.  Joseph 
Tilden  Treasurer  of  the  Society,  be  authorized  to  receive 
of  Lot  Wheelright  Esqr  Executor,  such  legacy  as  is 
expressed  in  the  said  Will  of  the  late  Capt.  Seth 
Webber,  and  that  the  said  Treasurer  be  fully  empowered 
to  receipt  for  the  same."  It  appears  by  record  of  the 
quarterly  meeting,  6th  August,  the  amount  of  this 
legacy  was  $1000,  and  it  was  proposed,  "  that  a  Vote  of 
thanks  be  recorded  on  the  books  of  this  Society." 
"Voted  accordingly  that  this  vSociety  receive  this  Legacy 


98  Records  of  the  Boston  Mai'iiie  Society. 

of  their  late  Worthy  brother  Capt.  Seth  Webber  with 
that  greatfuhiess  and  respect,  which  they  esteem  most 
honorable  to  his  memory,  and  that  they  consider  it  a 
duty  to  place  upon  their  records  this  evidence  of  munifi- 
cence &  Charity,  as  a  proof  of  his  goodness  and  that  it 
has  been  duly  appreciated." 

It  is  noticeable  that  there  is  a  not  uncommon  request 
from  members,  to  be  dismissed  from  the  Society,  which 
is,  in  all  cases,  granted,  though  full  payment  of  dues  is 
made  a  condition. 

A  quarterly  meeting,  4th  Februar}^,  1833,  was  held  at 
the  Exchange  Cofl^ee  House.  Nothing  worthy  of  note 
transpired,  twenty-two  members  were  present,  and  in 
pencil  is  written  on  the  page,  "  20  Suppers,  5  Bots 
Wine,  3  do  Cyder,  i  qrt  brandy,"  showing  that  moder- 
ation characterized  their  meetings. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  7th  October,  1833,  four  were 
proposed  as  members,  Capt.  Alexander  Campbell,  ship 
"  South  Boston^'  Jabez  Howes,  jr.,  ship  '-'- Moiuit 
Ve7'7io7i^^''  Philip  Fox,  ship  '-^ Ejuerald'"'  and  Joshua  G. 
Dickson,  ship  ^''Herald.''''  At  the  Annual  meeting,  all 
were  admitted  but  Capt.  Fox,  through  whose  name  a 
pen  is  drawn,  but  no  statement  made  why  he  was  not 
voted  in.  This  ship  '"'' B^??ie?'ald"  under  Fox's  com- 
mand, was  said  to  have  made  the  passage  from  Liver- 
pool to  Boston,  in  thirteen  days  —  or  at  all  events,  under 
fourteen  —  claimed  to  have  been  the  shortest  passage 
ever  made  by  sailing  vessel,  between  the  ports.  Mr. 
James  Collins,  formerly  a  master  ship-builder  in  Ply- 
mouth, now  living,  informed  the  writer  of  these  extracts, 
that  not  many  years  ago  Fox  was  in  Plymouth,  cook  of 
a  fishing  schooner,   that  had  put  in  there  for  a  harbor, 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.  99 

and  that  he  saw  and  talked  with  him  several  times  on 
that  occasion.  Fox  was  still  proud  and  boastful  of  his 
short  passage  in  the  '•'•Emerald^ 

At  this  meeting,  "  Letters  from  the  President  of  the 
Charleston  S  Carolina  Marine'  Society,  and  from 
James  Al.  Elford  of  the  same  City,  recommending  and 
soliciting  patronage  for  the  invention  of  Mr.  Elford,  in 
the  use  of  his  Marine  Telegraph,  or  universal  Signal 
Book,  a  copy  of  which  they  have  also  presented." 
"  These  letters  being  read,  it  w^as  Voted  that  a  Commit- 
tee of  three  Gentlemen  be  appointed  to  examine  into 
their  utility  &  advantages,  and  to  return  to  John  Pratt 
Esqr  President  of  the  Chlstn  Marine  Society  and  to 
Mr.  Elford  suitable  answers." 

The  stock  and  securities  of  the  Society  this  year,  show 
$30,736.95. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  6th  January,  1824,  this  record 
appears  :  ' '  The  Honbl  Josiah  Quincy  Mayor  of  the  City 
of  Boston,  having  requested  the  opinion  of  the  Boston 
Marine  Society,  respecting  the  wasting  of  the  Islands 
in  the  Harbor  of  Boston  by  the  ijiroads  of  the  Sea,  and 
also  upon  the  necessity  of  their  becoming  Public  prop- 
erty, that  means  may  be  taken  to  secure  the  remains 
of  them  particularly  Georges  and  Lovells  Islands," 

"Voted  that  a  respectfull  letter  be  addressed  to  the 
Mayor  and  Signed  by  the  Trustees  exprissive  of  their 
opinion  upon  the  Subject,  and  agreeable  to  which  Vote 
the  following  letter  was  addressed  to  him  accordingly." 

Boston  January   1824. 
Sir  : — The  wasting  of  the  Islands  in  the  harbour  of 
Boston,  that  are  exposed  to  the  inroads  of  the  Sea,  has 


lOO        Reco7'ds  of  tJie  Bostoii  Marhic   Society. 

been  a  frequent  subject  of  discussion,  and  an  object  of 
solicitude,  to  the  Members  of  the  Boston  marine 
Society.  Impressed  with  the  Knowledge  of  your  dispo- 
sition to  improve  &  promote  the  general  welfare  of  the 
City,  and  having  been  informed  of  your  recent  visit  to 
Deer  Island  wdth  the  intention  of  takeing  measures  to 
secure  that  important  barrier  of  our  Harbour,  We  with 
pleasure  address  to  you  a  few  facts,  to  shew  the  neces- 
sity of  immediate  measures,  being  attempted,  to  secure 
the  remains  of  Georges  &  Lovells  Islands,  and  our 
opinion  of  the  disadvantages  arising  from  their  continu- 
ing to  be  held  as  private  property. 

Then  folloAV  good  and  wise  reasons  for  protection  of 
the  islands  named,  from  inroads  of  the  elements,  or  of 
avarice,  and  strong  recommendation  they  be  purchased 
and  controlled  by  the  city,  or  other  ''Public  authority." 
This  letter  was  signed  by  all  the  Trustees,  and  addressed 
to  the  Honorable  Josiah  Quinc}',  Mayor,  City  of  Boston. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  1824,  on  November  3d,  the 
customary  business  v^^as  gone  through  with,  and  it  was 
voted,  "  That  Capt.  Josiah  Barnard  be  expelled  from 
this  Society  for  improper  &  bad  conduct,  &  his  account 
closed."  The  funds  and  securities  of  the  Society  at  this 
date  are  stated  as  $31,266.95. 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  7th  December,  1834,  the 
subject  of  compensation  to  the  "  Secretary  for  extra 
services  during  the  last  nine  years,"  was  considered,  and 
a  committee  chosen  to  look  into  the  matter  and  report 
thereon. 

Then  is  recorded  that,  "  In  consequence  of  a  Commu- 
nication from  the  Secretary  of  State  E.  D.'  Bangs  Esqr 


Records  of  the  Boston  Afar  hie  Society.         loi 

and  at  the  request  of  his  Excellency  the  Governor  &  the 
Honble  Councill,  the  Boston  Marine  Society  have  inves- 
tigated the  causes  of  a  complaint  made  by  Messrs 
Sargent  &  Brooks  against  Mr.  Lemuel  Ayers,  one  of 
the  Branch  Pilots  of  the  Port  of  Boston,  and  ask  leave 
to  report, 

"  That  we  find  the  statement  made  bv  Messrs  Sarg-ent 
Si  Brooks,  in  their  communication  of  the  4th  of  Novem- 
ber last,  to  be  substantially  correct,  and  that  the  conduct 
of  Mr.  Ayers  in  refusing  to  take  the  Ship  '  Shylock '  to 
sea  w^hen  required  so  to  do,  v^as  highly  improper  and 
deserving  of  sensure  ; — but  as  it  appears  that  Mr.  Ayers 
had  some  reason  to  believe  another  pilot  w^as  engaged  to 
take  the  Ship  ''Shylock '  to  sea,  and  therefore  acted  under 
the  eronious  opinion  that  he  was  not  bound  to  take  the 
charge  of  that  vessel  and  in  consideration ,  of  having 
hitherto  been  considered  a  faithful  and  efficient  Pilot, 
We  respectfully  request  that  he  may  not  be  deprived  of 
his  Branch,  for  this  neglect  but  may  be  admonished  in 
such  manner  as  the  Governor  &  Councill  shall  in  their 
wisdom  think  proper. 

Respectfully  Submitted  by  order  of  the  Trustees." 
At  a  trustee  meeting,  4th  January,  1825,  "  The 
Committee  on  Light  Houses,  to  whom  was  referred  a 
communication  from  sundry  inhabitants  of  Nantucket, 
relative  to  a  floating  light  on  Tuckernuck  Shoal," 
reported  favorably,  and  it  v^as  voted  that  the  report  be 
accepted,  "  and  that  the  President  of  this  Society  be 
requested  to  make  a  representation  to  the  Honble  Con- 
gress of  the  LTnited  States  in  conformity  &  to  transmit 
the  Same  to  Mr.  Webster,  the  representative  from  this 
district  for  presentation  &  support." 


I02        Records  of  tJic  Boston  Alar  hie  Society. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  ist  February,  1825,  at  the 
Exchange  Coffee  House,  15  members  present ;  again  a 
pencil  memorandum,  "  13  Suppers,  3  bottles  Wine  i 
Jug  W  Punch."  It  was  voted,  at  this  meeting,  "  That 
the  Secretary-  be  requested  to  write  a  letter  to  Mrs. 
Stephens  in  answer  to  her  application  presented  to  this 
Society  by  the  Committee  of  relief,  stating  that  this 
Society  was  instituted  for  the  purpose  of  relieving  such 
distressed  members  their  Widdows  &  families  as  are  in 
decayed  Sircumstances  &  in  vs^ant  of  immediate  Support, 
not  having  productive  or  convertible  property,  Such  by 
enquiry  not  being  her  Situation,  they  decline  for  the 
present  complying  with  her  request,  but  at  the  same 
time  assuring  her  that  should  she  hereafter,"  which  God 
forbid,  "  be  in  necessitous  Sircumstances,  they  will 
immediately  take  her  case  into  consideration  and  act 
accordingly." 

Sundry  resolutions,  with  reference  to  the  disposal  or 
investment  of  the  Society's  funds,  were  passed,  at  this 
and  the  trustee  meeting,.  April  ^th,  1825. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  2d  August,  following,  "A 
letter  from  Capt.  Moses  Inglee  addressed  to  the  Presi- 
dent having  been  read,  respecting  his  controversy  with 
Z.  Cook  Esqr,  and  having  debated  the  subject,  it  was 
decided  by  vote,  that  this  Society  have  nothing  to  do 
w4th  the  disputes  of  its  members,  out  of  the  meetings, 
unless  the  complaints  come  within  the  i8th  Article  of 
the  By  Laws."  The  article  referred  to  is  probably 
Article  20th  of  the  present  edition. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  November,  1825,  voted, 
"  That  the  Special  Committee  heretofore  raised  be 
requested    to   investigate    the    conduct    of  the    Pilots    of 


Records  of  the  Boston  ]\Iarine  Society.         103 

this  harbour,  and  to  devise  some  mode  to  correct  the 
abuses  so  constantly  complained  of,  and  so  injurious  to 
the  trade  and  navigation  of  this  Section  of  the  U. 
States."  And  further  on,  again  voted,  "  that  the  Com- 
mittee on  Pilots  be  requested  to  cause  an  Article  on  the 
Subject  to  them  referred,  to  be  published  in  the  Public 
papers,  and  all  other  means  in  their  power  to  be  used  to 
correct  the  great  &  many  abuses  complained  of  so 
constantly,  of  the  bad  conduct  of  the  Pilots  of  the  harbor 
of  Boston." 

At  a  quarterly  meeting,  7th  February,  1826,  it 
was  moved  and  seconded,  and  apparently  carried, 
though  it  is  not  so  stated,  "that  the  arrearages  due 
by  Capt.  Wm.  Kempton  amounting  to  fifteen  dollars, 
and  that  of  Capt.  James  Morgan  of  nine  dollars,  be 
remitted  in  consequence  of  the  former  being  sick  & 
unable  to  pay,  and  the  latter  being  deceased,  leaving 
no  property." 

It  is  safe  to  say,  two  better  reasons  for  action,  or 
non-action,  cannot  be  found  in  the  chronicles  of  any 
society  in  existence. 

"At  a  Monthly  or  Trustee  meeting  of  the  Boston 
Marine  Society  held  at  the  Exchange  Coffee  House 
on  tuesday  the  4th  day  of  July  1826.  Present  Wm. 
Sturgis  Esqr  being  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  Inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  and  a  general  Jubilee  — a 
quorum  could  not  attend  —  and  no  business  appearing 
before  the  Society,  had  there  had  been  a  quorum, 
this  meeting  is  adjourned."  The  attendance  seems  to 
have  been  extremely  small,  and  the  grammar  somew^hat 
hazy,  but  not  perhaps  more  so,  than  was  to  be  expected 
on  such  a  day  of  "  general  Jubilee." 


I04        Records  of  the  Boston  Maruie  Society, 

A  special  meeting  of  the  Society  was  called,  at  the 
request  of  General  Dearborn,  Collector  of  the  Port,  on 
the  33cljnly,  1S26,  "respecting  two  Light  houses,  one 
contemplated  to  be  built  on  Long  Point  at  or  near  the 
entrance  to  Provincetown  harbour,  and  the  other  on 
Sandy  neck  in  Barnstable."  Both  proposals  found  favor 
in  the  sight  of  the  Society. 

Another  special  meeting  was  held  at  the  Exchange 
Coffee  House,  39th  July,  1826,  when  ''  The  President 
informed  the  meeting,  that  some  of  the  elder  members 
had  called  upon  him,  and  suggested  the  propriety  of  the 
Society  Joining  in  the  procession  that  is  to  take  place  on 
Wednesday  next,  &  of  their  walking  togeather  as  a 
Society,  the  late  Hon.  John  Adams  having  been  a 
member  for  58  years,  they  thought  it  a  duty  incumbent 
on  the  Society  to  shew  this  mark  of  respect  to  his 
memory,  provided  the  Committee  of  arrangements  would 
assign  them  a  place,  in  the  procession.  The  president 
further  stated  that  in  consequence  of  this  suggestion  he 
had  made  known  to  the  Committee  of  arrangements 
the  wish  of  the  Society,  but  had  as  yet  received  no 
defintive  answer  from  them,  and  bad  now  called  the 
meeting  of  the  Trustees  to  lay  the  business  before  them. 
Whereupon,  Voted,  as  the  opinion  of  this  meeting,  that 
every  mark  of  respect  in  their  power  ought  to  be 
rendered  by  the  Society  to  the  memory  of  the  late 
Honble  John  Adams  who  was  their  Senior  Member  at 
the  time  of  his  decease,  and  that  they  w^ill  join  the 
procession  on  Wednesday  next,  and  walk  as  a  body, 
with  some  appropriate  badge  of  mourning,  provided  an 
invitation  shall  be  given  and  a  place  assigned  them  by 
the  Committee  of  Arrangements." 


Records  of  the  Boston  JIarine   Society.         105 

Whether  the  invitation  was  given,  or  whether  any 
joined  the  procession,  "as  a  body,"  does  not  appear, 
and  one  can  scarcely  fail  to  wonder,  if  the  late  ''  Senior 
Member,"  to  whom  they  w^ould  pay  such  respect,  had 
ever  once  during  the  fifty-eight  years  of  membership, 
attended  one  single  meeting  of  the  Society. 

The  Treasurer's  —  Thomas  B.  Wales  —  accounts 
show  the  funds  and  securities  of  the  Society,  on  the  6th 
November,  1826,  to  have  been,  $31,588.95. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  6th  February,  1827,  held  at 
the  Marlborough  Hotel,  a  committee  reported  favorably 
on  "  Elfords  Telegraphic  Flags  as  Marine  Signals;" 
considering  them  a  "Very  useful  &  Valuable  invention." 

A  verbal  communication  from  William  Sturgis  vs^as 
made,  "  relative  to  the  regulation  of  Pilots,"  and  a 
committee  of  three,  "appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  propriety  of  petitioning  the  U.  S.  Govermt,  for  the 
removing  of  Scituate  Light  house." 

A  special  meeting  was  called  at  the  Marlborough, 
20th  February,  1827,  "  in  consequence  of  a  Petition  to 
the  Honble  General  Court  of  this  Commonwealth  by  a 
company  of  Gentlemen  praying  Tor  leave  to  erect  Mills 
on  Pudding  point  Gut,  and  deeming  such  erection  injuri- 
ous to  the  Navigation  of  this  Harbour  in  a  very  alarming 
degree,"  the  President  desired  "the  sense  of  this  meeting 
on  the  subject."  "After  a  full  discussion"  a  committee 
was  appointed,  to  take  "such  steps  on  the  part  of  this 
Society,  as  may  prevent  their  Obtaining  such  liberty  or 
any  other,  that  would  be  likely  to  obstruct  or  in  any 
way  injure  the  Harbor  or  its  Channells." 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  3d  April,  1827,  "Wm.  Sturgis 
Esqr  chairman  of  the  Committee  to  communicate  with 


io6        Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society. 

the  Legislature  respecting  Pilots,  made  report  that  an 
act  was  passed,  authorizing  the  Trustees  of  this  Society 
to  organize  a  System  for  such  purpose  subject  to  the 
approbation  of  the  Governor  &  Council,"  and  a  commit- 
tee of  three  Avas  accordingly  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  May  ist,  the  ''Committee 
on  Situate  Light  House,"  made  a  report  that  was 
"  unanimously  accepted,"  but  the  nature  and  purport  of 
it  is  not  recorded. 

Several  rather  wordy  communications  and  resolutions, 
in  connection  with  the  pilot  service,  follow,  for  several 
meetings,  but  of  not  sufficient  interest  to  recite,  and  at 
the  Annual  meeting,  6th  November,  1837,  "  It  was 
inoved  and  seconded  that  a  committee  be  raised,  to 
pettition  the  Hble  General  Court  at  their  next  Session, 
for  a  la^v  to  authorize  the  appointment  of  Port  Wardens 
for  the  Port  of  Boston,  when  a  debate  ensued  &  Capt. 
Wm.  Sturgis  and  other  Gentlemen  opposed  the  motion 
as  unnecessary  at  the  present  time,  no  dessision  in  any 
Court  having  in  any  instance  invalidated  the  usual 
custom,  &  as  custom  is  always  respected  in  Courts  of 
Law,  where  no  Statute  exists,  it  w^as  thought  inexpedient 
to  appoint  such  Committee.  The  question  was  however 
taken  &  negatived  bv  a  larg^e  Vote." 

Stocks  and  properties  of  the  Society,  at  this  date, 
$21,836.95,  showing  the  increase  of  the  year  to  have 
been  $248  only. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  4th  December,  appears  a 
'•  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Edgar  Town  in  the 
Vinnard  Sound,  and  Simdry  Inhabitants  of  New  Bed- 
ford and  Other  Towns  in  that  Neighborhood  praying 
the    Congress    of    the    United    States,    to    cause     to    be 


Records  of  the  Boston   yiarine   Society.         107 

erected,  a  causeway  from  the  Beach  in  Edgar  Town  to 
the  flatts,  and  on  which  to  erect  a  small  light  house, 
&c  &c."  This  w^as  favorably  received,  and  it^vas  voted, 
that  the  matter  be  brousrht  by  the  Society  to  the  notice 
of  the  Honorable  Mr.  Reed,  representative  from  Barn- 
stable County. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  ist  January,  1828,  "Sundry 
petitions  to  the  Honble  Congress  of  the  U  States  from 
the  Inhabitants  of  Ipswich,  Newbury  Port,  cape  ann 
and  Sandy  Bay  in  the  Town  of  Gloucester,  and  other 
places  in  that  neighborhood,  togeather  with  a  recommen- 
dation from  the  Marine  Society  of  Salem,"  for  two  small 
harbor  lights  for  Ipswich,  received  favorable  attention. 
It  was  likewise  voted,  "that  if  the  City  Government 
should  apph'  to  this  Society  for  their  Sanction  to  meas- 
ures to  be  adopted  by  the  General  Govermt,  for  the 
preservation  of  any  Island  or  Islands  in  the  outw^ard 
harbour,  whereby  the  inner  harbour  may  be  protected 
and  preserved,  that  this  Society  will  sanction  and  recom- 
mend that  such  measures  be  adopted." 

At  a  quarterly  meeting,  held  at  the  Marlborough,  5th 
February,  1828,  "A  number  of  applications  being  pre- 
sented to  this  Society  at  this  meetinsf  relative  to  Liofht 
houses.  Break  waters  and  other  improvements  on  several 
parts  of  the  Coasts  &  Bays,  it  is  voted  that  they  be 
severally  read  &  acted  on."  Likewise,  it  was  voted, 
"  That  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  on  Pilots,  as 
read  at  this  meeting  be  highly  approved  by  this  Society, 
and  that  they  be  requested  to  follo\v  up  the  good  work 
and  accomplish  the  business  in  question." 

A  letter  was  read  from  the  Society  to  the  Mayor  and 
aldermen  of  Boston,    asking   for   further    protection    of 


io8        Records  of  the  Bostoii  jSIarine  Society. 

Deer  Island,  from  the  effect  of  "  waves  and  storms," 
and  that  the  danger  from  neglect  of  the  same,  was 
"  pressing  and  immediate." 

Various  petitions,  statements,  letters,  and  recommen- 
dations as  to  pilots,  and  pilot  laws  and  regulations,  are 
chronicled,  but  have  no  special  interest.  It  seems  that 
the  whole  business  of  regulating  and  directing  the  pilot 
service,  was  still,  virtually,  in  the  hands  and  care  of  the 
Society. 

At  a  quarterly  meeting,  3d  Februarv.  1829,  we  find, 
as  a  proposed  member,  by  Caleb  Curtis — our  present 
Treasurer.  Thomas  Lamb. 

The  trustee  meeting  of  June  3d,  1829,  brought  a 
"  communication  from  the  Mayor  of  the  City  of  Boston 
on  the  subject  of  the  Flatts,"  and  a  discussion,  with 
resolutions  and  recommendations,  followed.  Matters  in 
connection  with  pilotage,  were  like\vise  discussed,  and 
action  taken  thereon. 

At  a  special  trustee  meeting,  on  12th  October,  1829, 
the  "Committee  to  regulate  Pilots,"  made  a  full  and 
thorough  report  thereon,  presenting  a  code,  that  is  no 
doubt  the  basis  of  the  present  laws,  with  a  tariff  of 
rates.  The  following  persons  were  recommended  to 
the  Governor  and  Council  for  commissions  or  branches, 
from  date:  John  Wilson,  Reuben  Coombs,  Benjamin 
Sweatt,  Josiah  Ayres,  Lemuel  Ayres,  John  Sargent, 
Matthew  Hunt,  and  Henry  Gurney.  Mr.  Gurney 
being,  at  this  present  ^vriting  —  6th  July,  1879  —  th^ 
only  one  still  living.  Jonathan  Bruce,  keeper  of  Bos- 
ton light-house,  was  recommended  as  competent  to 
"take  charge  of  any  vessel,  as  a  pilot,  drawing  from 
7  to  16  feet  water." 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.         109 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  3d  November,  1S29.  voted, 
"that  a  Committee  of  conference  be  raised  to  act  with 
the  Mavor,  Aldermen  and  Common  Council  respecting 
the  utility  and  expedience  of  having  a  Law  passed 
appointing  a  Harbour  Master  for  the  Port  of  Boston." 

"Voted,  That  a  Pettition  be  presented  at  the  next 
Session  of  Congress  of  the  United  States,  praying  for  a 
grant  and  for  an  appropriation  of  two  hundred  thirty 
five  dollars  to  complete  the  spindle  Bacon  on  Minots 
ledge,  and  for  placeing  a  Buoy  on  the  ledge  near  the 
Southern  end  of  Hospital  Island." 

"  N  B.  The  Trustees  being  directed  by  Law  of  the 
General  Court  passed  nth  June  1839  to  regulate  Pilots 
and  Pilotage  renders  it  unnecessarv  for  this  Society  to 
elect  a  Pilot  Commttee,  consequently  such  Committee  is 
discontinued  b}'  the  Society." 

The  "  Inventory  of  Property  of  the  Society,"  foots 
up  at  this  date,  $22,436.95. 

More  pilot  laws,  bonds,  cominissions  or  branches, 
recommendations  and  advice  to  Governor  and  Council, 
suggestions  and  amendments,  fill  page  after  page,  and 
meeting  after  meeting,  till  February,  1830,  and  after  that, 
is  still  again  renewed  and  continued,  with  such  persis- 
tency as  almost  to  make  one  cry  for  mercy,  but  proving 
how  conscientiously  the  members  did  their  duty,  ever 
and  always. 

The  6th  April,  1S30,  notice  of  a  "bequest  from  the 
Hon.  John  Coifm  Jones,  deceased,  was  read  and  grate- 
fully considered." 

May  4th,  1830,  a  letter  was  read  from  the  Boston 
Seamen's  Friend  Society,  and  being  considered,  it  was 
voted,  "  That  the  Secretarv  of  this  Societv  communicate 


no        Records  of  the  Bostoii  J\fan'?ie  Society. 

to  the  Committee  of  the  Seamens  friend  vSociety,  the 
interest  we  feel  in  their  Success  individually,  but  as  a 
Society  we  are  without  power  to  vote  any  of  the  funds 
to  the  object  of  their  institution." 

At  the  meeting  of  August  3d,  1S30,  Charles  Francis 
Adams  was  voted  a  member,  and  Admiral  Sir  Isaac 
Coffin  proposed  as  a  member  "  by  several  gentlemen 
present." 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Society,  7th  vSeptember,  1S30, 
voted,  "  that  the  Secretarv  notify  the  members  by  printed 
notifications  and  in  t\vo  Public  newspapers,  requesting 
them  to  meet,  on  friday  the  17th  inst  at  half  past  eight 
Oclock  in  the  morning,  at  the  Land  Office  North  east 
corner  of  the  floor  of  the  State  house,  to  join  the  proces- 
sion of  the  Centenial  celebration,  agreeable  to  the  notice 
of  the  cit}^  authorities." 

Voted,  "That Admiral  Sir  Isaac  Coffin  be  an  honor- 
ary member  of  this  Society  without  fee."  "  That  Capt. 
Nathl  Curtis,  William  Lander  and  Benj.  Smith  be  a 
Committee  to  A^^ait  on  Adml  Sir  Isaac  Coffin  to  notify 
him  of  his  appointment,  and  to  present  him  with  a 
framed  certificate."  At  this  meeting.  Admiral  Sir 
Benjamin  Hallo^vell  Carew.  Avas  proposed  as  a  member, 
and  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  trustees,  in  October,  he 
was  admitted,  "without  fee"  and  it  was  voted,  "to 
forward  him  a  framed  certificate  bv  some  safe  convey- 
ance," but  in  a  marginal  note  we  find.  "  he  declined." 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  2d  November,  1S30,  held  at 
the  Exchange  Coftee  House,  Thomas  Lamb,  the  present 
incumbent,  was  elected  Treasurer. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  ist  March,  1S31,  a  "  letter  from 
Messrs  Hall  &  Williams  relati\'e  to  extra  pilotage,  being 


JRecords  of  the  Boston  JSIaririe   Society.         1 1 1 

read,  fully  discussed  and  debated,  the  Trustees  came  to 
the  following  resolution  &  accordingly  Voted,  That  on 
the  first  question  unanimously,  that  the  Pilot  ought  not 
to  be  paid  three  dollars  for  hauling  the  vessel  to  the 
wharf  from  the  stream,  and  on  the  second  question  they 
unanimously  vote,  that  the  Pilot  has  a  right  and  ought 
to  be  paid  three  dollars  for  hauling  the  vessel  into  the 
Stream,"  showing  they  recognized  the  difference  between 
a  watch  dog  and  a  dog  watch. 

At  a  quarterly  meeting,  3d  May,  183 1,  a  letter  vv^as 
read  from  the  Baltimore  Marine  Society,  and  a 
committee  chosen,  "  to  take  into  consideration  the 
subject  matter  of  the  said  letter  in  relation  to  the 
administration  of  the  estate's  of  Seamen,  and  if  they 
should  deem  it  expedient  and  proper,  to  petition  the 
Legislature  at  their  next  Session  for  the  passing  of  a 
law  empowering  the  Society  to  act  as  administrators 
aforesaid." 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  2d  August,  1831,  it  was 
voted,  "  That  the  Pilot  Committee  be  requested  to  make 
Special  enquiry  into  the  alledged  misconduct  of  the  Pilot 
who  had  charge  of  the  Spanish  Vessell  Isabella  lately 
lost  on  Cohasset  rocks,  and  to  make  report  to  the 
Trustees"  etc. 

Subsequently,  w^e  learn  the  pilot  at  fault  w^as  "Deputy 
Pilot  Josiah  Ayers  Junr,"  and  the  approval  of  his 
appointment  as  a  "  deputy  pilot  for  the  harbor  of  Bos- 
ton," "which  authorized  and  empowered  him  to  act  in 
that  capasity  be  now  reconsidered,  revoked  and  annulled, 
and  that  from  and  after  this  date  said  Josiah  Ayers  Junr 
is  no  longer  to  be  considered  as  an  authorized  pilot  for 
the  harbour  of  Boston." 


112        Rccoi'ds  of  the  Bostoii  j\Ia?'i?ie  Society. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  held  at  the  Exchange  Coftee 
House,  I  St  November,  1S31,  Capt.  Barker  Baker  was 
dismissed  "for  delinquency,"  Capt.  Charles  Blake, 
"discharged  agreeable  to  his  request,"  Capt.  Dixey 
Wild,  unanimously  chosen  President,  but  "  declined 
serving  owing  to  his  expected  absence,"  and  Capt. 
Charles  Tracey  was  elected  in  his  stead. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  6th  December,  1831,  it  was 
voted,  "  That  a  pittion  be  presented  to  Congress  for 
appropriations  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  for 
completing  the  Spindle  on  Minots  Ledge,  and  one 
thousand  dollars  for  building  the  monument  on  Nixes 
mate  v^ith  Stone." 

A  return  of  the  Society's  funds,  for  31st  December, 
1831,  shows  the  wdiole  of  their  securities  to  have  been, 
at  that  time,  $23,990.83. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Society,  held  at  the  Marl- 
borough Hotel,  20th  January,  1833,  voted,  "That  in  the 
opinion  of  this  board,  that  two  small  Light  houses 
juditiously  located  at  the  harbour  of  Ipswitch  in  this 
State  would  be  a  great  public  benefit  and  very  beneficial 
to  the  navigation  of  that  port." 

Resolutions,  laudatory  and  complimentary  to  the 
Boston  Port  Society^  were  likewise  passed,  and  it  was 
resolved,  "  that  the  Members  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Society  be  requested  and  strongly  recommended  to  be 
aiding  by  all  means  in  their  power  in  the  promotion  of 
the  general  cause  of  reform  in  the  habits  and  conduct  of 
Seamen  ;  the  most  practicable  means  of  insuring  this, 
being  the  support  and  aid  to  the  Port  Society." 

February  7th,  1832,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Society  at  the 
Marlborough  Hotel,  it  was  voted,  "that  the  President  of 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.        113 

the  Society  write  an  answer  to  James  F.  Austin  Esqr 
accepting  the  invitation  to  join  the  procession  on  the 
23  inst  to  commemorate  the  centennial  annaversary 
of  the  Birth  of  General  Washington."  Voted,  "  That 
the  Secretary  notify  the  members  of  the  Boston  Ma- 
rine Society  requesting  their  attendance  on  the  above 
occasion,  two  days  before  the  meeting."  It  is  proba- 
ble the  meaning  of  this  is,  that  they  be  notified  two 
days  before  the  meeting,  not  that  they  attend  two  days 
before. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  6th  March,  1832,  it  was  "moved 
and  seconded,  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  take 
into  consideration  the  expediency  of  forming  a  collection 
of  rare  and  valuable  curiosities,  that  may  be  formed  into 
a  museum." 

An  adjourned  meeting  of  trustees,  on  12th  March, 
1832,  Avas  ^vholly  devoted  to  discussion  and  resolves  of 
pilots,  and  pilot  lav^^s  and  regulations,  ^vith  recommen- 
dations to  Governor  and  Council. 

The  meetings  of  the  Society  and  trustees,  for  the 
remainder  of  the  vear,  seem  mainlv  devoted  to  mat- 
ters of  pilotage,  lights,  buoys,  and  harbor  improve- 
ments, and  at  a  trustee  meeting,  ist  January,  1833,  a 
committee  was  appointed  to  enquire  "  into  the  expe- 
diency and  utilitv  of  placeing  a  Bell  &  buoy  on  Hoard- 
ings rocks." 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Society,  ""held  at  the 
Marine  assurance  Rooms  over  the  Tremont  Bank  in 
State  Street,  12th  March  1833" — "The  report  of  the 
Committee  of  the  Boston  Museum  &  Library  being  read 
and  debated,  it  was  unanimously  accepted  &  Voted 
accordingly." 


114        Records  of  the  Boston  Mai'iiie  Society. 

"  It  was  then  moved  and  seconded,  that  a  Committee 
of  three  be  appointed  to  select  and  report  such  Gentle- 
men for  the  approbation  of  this  Society  to  serve  as 
directors  for  the  Museum  and  Library  agreeable  to  this 
report,  till  the  next  annual  meeting."  Joseph  W.  Lewis, 
Thomas  B.  Curtis,  Daniel  C.  Bacon,  Thomas  Lamb, 
Thomas  C.  Smith,  Benjamin  Smith,  Zebeda  Cook,  jr., 
William  Hales,  and  John  Suter,  w^ere  made  the  direc- 
tors, and  it  was  voted,  "  That  the  room  over  the 
Tremont  Bank,  be  accepted  at  the  rate  of  twenty  five 
dollars  pr  anno,  for  the  meetings  and  use  of  the  board 
of  directors  of  the  Boston  Marine  Museum  and  Library, 
&  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society." 

The  follow^ing  report  of  a  Committee  on  this  subject, 
will  be  of  interest.     They  report, 

"That  they  have  attended  to  their  duty  and  are  of 
opinion  that  the  objects  of  this  Society  in  relation  thereto 
can  be  carried  into  full  effect.  *  *  *  Your  Committee 
in  refference  to  the  act  of  incorporation  of  this  vSociety 

—  that  is  the  Boston  Marine  Museum  and  Library  — 
find  nothing  repugnant  to  such  an  addition  to  the 
personal  prosperity  and  value  of  this  —  Boston  Marine 

—  Society.  On  the  contrary  are  of  opinion  that  such 
an  addition  comports  extremely  well  with  the  objects  of 
this  Society,  as  set  forth  in  the  preamble  to  its  act  of 
incorporation  in  the  year  1754,  Viz  that  its  objects  are 
"to  improve  the  knowledge  of  navigation  by  their  several 
members  on  their  arrival  from  sea  communicating  obser- 
vations on  valuable  marine  subjects,  and  on  all  other 
remarkable  thing's  &c  and  to  relieve  one  another  and 
their  families    in   poverty  and  other  adverse    accidents, 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society.         115 

Avhich  they  are  more  particularly  liable  to  &c."  Your 
Committee  think  that  a  library  should  be  connected  with 
the  museum  to  be  composed  of  such  books,  maps,  charts 
&c  as  will  most  improve  our  knowledge  of  commerce, 
navigation  and  the  various  subjects  connected  with  the 
museum,  and  are  of  opinion  that  many  valuable  works 
of  this  kind  can  be  obtained  fi*om  donations.  Your 
Committee  are  of  opinion  that  a  museum  and  library 
connected  with  the  Society  w^ill  not  only  be  the  means 
of  diffusing  valuable  information,  but  w^ill  tend  to 
increase  the  funds  of  this  Society,  by  increasing  the 
number  of  its  members  from  the  additional  interest  that 
v^^ill  be  taken  in  it.  Your  Committee  recommend  the 
following  rules  and  orders  for  the  government  of  this 
branch  of  the  institution. 

"  I  St.  That  eight  members  of  this  Society  be  chosen  by 
ballot  at  our  annual  meeting  in  November  or  at  a  Special 
meeting  called  for  the  purpose,  who  togeather  with  the 
President  for  the  year  ensuing  shall  form  and  be  known 
as  the  directors  of  the  Marine  Museum  and  library ; 
vacancies  that  may  happen  during  the  year  in  the  said 
board  of  directors  to  be  filled  by  the  remainder  of  the 
board  choosing  from  the  members  of  the  Society. 

"  2nd.  That  they  shall  have  during  the  time  that  they 
are  in  office  the  entire  control  and  direction  of  this 
branch  of  our  institution,  to  make  their  ovv^n  by  laws, 
receive  and  pay  money  and  transact  such  business  as 
may  come  before  them. 

"3rd.  The  President  of  this  Society  shall  be  chairman 
of  the  board  of  directors  and  preside  at  their  meetings, 
which  shall  be  at  such  times  as  they  by  their  by  laws 
may  direct. 


ii6        Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

"4th.  The  Directors  to  choose  one  of  their  number  as 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
receive  all  donations  receive  and  pay  money  &c. 

"5th.  The  Directors  shall  make  a  report  at  our  Annual 
Meetings  in  November,  Stateing  the  Situation  of  the 
Museum  &  library,  donations,  receipts  and  expences 
togeather  with  a  schedule  of  all  property  of  Avhatever 
name  belonging  to  this  branch  of  our  institution. 

•'6th.  The  Directors  shall  have  no  power  to  appro- 
priate any  part  of  the  funds  of  the  B.  M.  Society  to  the 
use  of  the  Marine  Museum  and  library  further  than 
grants  that  may  be  made  at  our  stated  meetings,  but  they 
shall  be  held  individually  accountable  for  all  debts 
contracted  by  them,  over  and  above  the  funds  that  may 
have  been  appropriated  for  this  specified  purpose. 

"  7th.  The  Directors  shall  have  full  power  to  increase 
the  museum  and  library  by  purchase  or  otherwise  as 
they  from  time  to  time  may  think  best,  and  also  to 
dispose  of  such  articles  as  they  may  consider  useless,  in 
such  manner  as  they  by  their  by  laws  direct. 

"8th.  As  it  is  desirable  that  such  funds  should  be  pro- 
vided as  will  enable  the  Directors  not  only  to  increase 
the  influence  of  this  branch  of  our  institution,  but 
prevent  it  from  becoming  an  expence  to  this  Society,  it  is 
therefore  Voted  that  the  Directors  shall  have  full  power 
to  collect  in  such  manner  as  they  may  think  best,  money 
or  property  to  the  amount  not  exceeding  $10,000,  the 
same  to  be  invested  by  them  in  Bank  Stock,  or  in  such 
securities  as  the  directors  and  trustees  of  this  Society  may 
approve,  the  income  of  which  to  be  held  by  the  Treas- 
urer of  this  Societ}^  to  the  order  &  direction  of  the 
Directors  of  the  M.  M.  &  library.     That  the  said  funds 


Records  of  the  Boston  Mar  me  Society.         117 

shall  be  invested  in  the  name  of  the  B.  M.  Society  to  be 

appropriated  to  this  specified  purpose  and  none  other  ; 

so  long  as  this  Society  exists,  provided  that  nothing  in 

this  Vote  shall  prevent  the  Directors  from  appropriating 

from  time  to  time  such  sums  of  money  to  the  free  use  of 

this    Society,  as  they  may  have  beyond    the  wants  and 

expenses  of  the  Museum  &  library." 

J.  W.  Lewis,    Thomas  Lamb,    ) 

rj.  ^    o  -DO  r  Committee. 

iHOS  C   bMiTH,   Benj.   Smith,  j 

The  trustee  meeting  of  2d  April,  1S33,  voted,  that  a 
special  meeting  of  the  Society  be  convened  the  following 
week,  '•  to  discuss  debate  and  determine  on  the  improper 
and  shameful  conduct  of  a  number  of  Branch  pilots  of 
the  harbour  of  Boston,"  and  the  special  and  quarterly 
meetings  in  May  are  mainly  taken  up  in  this  affair, 
which  was  at  last  satisfactorily  settled. 

A  report  of  the  Committee  of  Observation  ^vas  made 
at  the  trustee  meeting,  in  September,  1S33,  and  is  as 
foUov^^s  :  "The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  a  new 
chart  of  the  coast  of  America  from  Philadelphia  to 
Halifax  harbour,  showing  the  tracks  of  the  American 
surveying  vessels  Science  and  Orbit.,  a  new  edition 
improved  by  J.  W.  Norrie  Hydrographer  London  May 
ist  1832,  Have  attended  to  that  duty  and  report,  That 
the  principal  head  lands  in  Boston  Bay  and  vicinity  are 
very  erroneously  laid  down  both  in  position  and  shape 
according  to  the  latest  edition  of  Blunts  tables  and  chart 
of  1832.  The  Committee  subjoin  the  longitudes  of  a  few 
of  the  most  prominent  points  as  laid  down  in  the  two 
charts  referred  to."  The  longitudes  —  latitude  as  well 
—  of  eight    places,  are  then  given,  with  the  difference 


ii8        Records  of  the  Boston  ^larine  Society. 

between  the  two  charts,  varying  from  eight  to  forty 
miles. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  at  the  Marlborough  Hotel,  ist 
October,  1833,  there  not  being  a  quorum,  the  meeting 
adjourned.  It  appears  the  resolution  to  meet  at  the 
room  over  the  Tremont  bank,  from  some  cause,  had 
already  come  to  naught. 

This  is  the  last  entry  of  Book  B,  or  Book  number 
three  of  the  Marine  Society. 

The  first  entry  in  Book  C,  of  the  Records,  is  the 
Treasurer's  returns  for  November,  1833,  showing  the 
funds  of  the  Society,  at  that  date,  to  have  been 
$24,090.83.  This  Annual  meeting  was  held  at  the 
jVIarlborough  Hotel.  A  committee  w^as  appointed,  "  to 
investigate  the  subject  of  a  Breakwater  at  Long  Cove  in 
Gloucester,  for  which  an  appropriation  by  Congress  has 
been  petitioned  for,  and  if  they  see  and  consider  it  a 
proper  subject  for  this  Society  to  interfere  and  act 
thereon,  and  approve  the  object  of  the  petition,  the 
President  and  Secretary  be  authorized  to  sign  a  memo- 
randum annexed  to  the  petition,  stateing  that  the  Society 
approve  the  object  and  recommend  or  advise  the  appro- 
priation." No  lack  of  caution  can  certainly  be  seen  in 
this  resolve. 

"  A  verbal  report  of  the  Directors  of  the  Boston 
Marine  Museum  &  Library  —  made  by  one  of  its  mem- 
bers Zebedee  Cook  Jr  —  stateing  their  having  collected 
articles  of  curiosity  and  utility  to  the  amount  of  more 
than  three  hundred  Dollars,  and  praying  for  further  aid, 
Whereupon  it  was  Voted  That  one  hundred  dollars  be 
put  at  the  disposal  of  the  directors  of  Aluseum  &  Library 
as  it  mav  be  wanted,  for  the  use  of  said  institution." 


Records  of  the  Boston  Mat'hie  Society.        119 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  3d  December,  1833,  it  was 
voted,  "That  the  President  Capt.  Joseph  W.  Lewis, 
Winslow  Lew^is  and  Benj.  Smith  be  a  committee  to 
address  the  Hon.  Benjamin  Gorham  at  Washington  on 
the  subject  of  a  petition  from  this  Society  to  Congress  in 
the  Session  of  1831  &  2,  also  a  petition  to  Congress  in 
Session  of  1832-3,  requesting  his  aid  in  effecting  the 
object  of  the  said  petitions."  The  Society  at  that  time 
evidently  meant  their  petitions  should  not  be  everlooked. 

"  Voted,  That  the  request  of  a  number  of  the  Boston 
Branch  Pilots,  that  this  Board  would  sanction  their 
petition  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States,  for  liberty  to  erect  a  hut  on  Boston  Light  house 
Island,  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Board  that  the  public 
Avould  not  be  benefitted  thereby,  and  that  it  is  therefore 
inexpedient  to  have  such  Hut  erected,  and  that  the 
Committee  inform  the  petitioners  of  the  foregoing  vote." 

Another  vote  passed,  that  the  Pilot  Committee  "take 
such  means  as  they  may  \vish  or  think  expedient  to 
prevent  any  further  inovation  on  the  Pilot  laws." 

Innovation  seems  to  have  been  always  a  bugbear  and 
a  terror. 

At  a  quarterly  meeting,  4th  February,  1834,  ^'Oted, 
"That  the  Society  petition  the  General  Court  no\v  in 
Session,  for  an  extension  of  the  act  passed  in  1S32, 
cedeing  the  jurisdiction  to  the  United  States  of  the 
Island  of  Xixes  Mate  in  Boston  harbour,  with  certain 
conditions." 

Through  1834  the  meetings  of  the  Society  and 
Trustees  seem  to  have  been  mainly  occupied  in  matters 
incident  to  the  pilots  and  pilot  service,  and  on  the  9th 
December,   1834,  we  learn  that  "Dana  Bruce,  Branch 


I20        Records  of  the  Boston  JSIarine  Society. 

Pilot,  has  not  attended  to  that  duty  for  liiore  than 
one  year  past,  and  that  there  is  no  probabiUty  that 
he  ever  will."  "That  Benjamin  Sweet,  Branch  Pilot, 
has  for  some  length  of  time  been  in  the  habit  of  in- 
temperance, his  Boat  being  taken  from  him  and  sold, 
and  the  owners  of  the  other  Pilot  Boats  will  not  employ 
him." 

"  That  Leonard  Lakin  Branch  Pilot  is  partially  in- 
sane," and  that  "John  Stubbs  Branch  Pilot  has  recently 
through  neglect,  ignorance  or  carelessness  run  several 
vessels  on  shore,"  and  the  Pilot  Committee  were  requested 
"  to  take  these  several  cases  under  consideration." 
Whether  this  very  unpromising  aspect  of  the  service 
discouraged  the  Society,  or  if  it  occupied  entirely  too 
much  of  the  Committee's  time  to  attend  to  all  these 
matters  of  detail  \vithout  any  compensation,  none  can 
say,  but  at  this  same  meeting  it  was  voted,  "That  the 
President,  Thomas  B.  Curtis,  with  Winslow  Lewis  and 
Samuel  QLiincy  be  a  Committee  to  consider  and  report 
on  the  Subject  of  resigning  to  the  Governor  and  Coun- 
cill,  all  authority  and  Superintendance  of  the  Pilots 
of  the  Port  of  Boston." 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  6th  January,  1S35,  the  above 
Committee  reported,  and  it  ^vas  voted,  that  the  same 
Committee  "sign  &  present  a  memorial  to  the  Governor 
&  Council  praying  that  this  Board  (of  Trustees)  be  dis- 
charged from  all  cognizance  in  the  matter  of  Pilots  & 
pilotage." 

At  the  quarterly  meeting  in  February,  1S35,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  "to  petition  Congress  for  an 
additional  appropriation  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars  to  complete  the  Spindle  on  Minots  Ledge." 


Records  of  the  Boston  Mai'ine   Society.         121 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  6tli  April  —  the  laws  having 
presumably  been  altered  —  it  was  voted  that  "Caleb 
Curtis  &  Chas  T.  Parsons  be  recommended  to  the 
Governor  &  Council  as  suitable  persons  to  be  commis- 
sioned as  Commissioners  to  regulate  Pilots  &  Pilotage." 

"Whereupon  the  said  Curtis  &  Parsons  gave  in  their 
Letters  of  resignation  as  Trustees."  This  seems  to  have 
been  the  first  of  the  present  Pilot  Commission  system. 

The  Treasurer's  report  for  1835,  at  the  Annual  meet- 
ing, on  the  3d  November,  gives  the  funds  of  the  Society 
as  $35,090.83,  an  increase  of  $1000.00  in  t\vo  years. 

December  4th,  1835,  Capt.  Parsons  having  died, 
Capt.  Samuel  Quincy  was  nominated  in  his  stead  as  a 
Commissioner  of  Pilots. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  3d  February,  1836,  held  at 
the  Marlborough,  the  following  letter  was  presented  and 
read. 

Waltham. 
Thomas  Lamb.,  Esqi' : 

I  duly  received  your  favor  of  the  3d  inst.  togeather 
with  the  constitution  of  the  marine  Society,  no  one  can 
be  more  willincr  than  mvself  to  contribute  for  the  relief 
of  decayed  masters  of  Vessels  &  their  Widdows  &  father- 
less that  are  left  in  poverty  and  distress — for  the  purpose 
of  affording  temporary  relief  to  that  class  of  sufferers 
I  inclose  a  check  for  five  hundred  dollars,  it  is  my  desire 
to  have  this  donation  put  into  the  hands  of  the  relief 
committee  for  immediate  distribution. 

It  is  too  late  for  me  to  become  a  member  of  that 
honorable  &  valuable  institution,  but  not  I  trust  too  late 
to  afford  relief  to  the  suffering  poor.*    I  hope  it  is  not 


122        Recoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

incompatible  with  the  rules  of  the  Society  to  dispose 
of  this  donation  as  I  wish,  it  may  be  that  a  while  hence 
I  may  be  able  to  do  something  to  aid  the  income  of  the 
establishment.  Should  that  happen  my  name  may  be 
added  as  a  member.     Accept  my  respectfull  regards. 

Theodore  Lyman. 

Whatever  errors  of  orthography  appear  in  the  above 
letter,  are  probably  of  the  Society's  Secretary,  rather  than 
of  the  v^a'iter. 

The  thanks  of  the  Societ}^  were  voted  the  "Honble 
Theodore  Lyman  for  his  generous  &  magnificent  dona- 
tion," and  the  Secretary  was  "  directed  to  present  a  copy 
of  this  Vote,  with  a  lively  sense  of  his  benevolence." 

The  late  Charles  F.  Parsons  —  throuo^h  his  surviving^ 
colleague,  Caleb  Curtis  —  gave  a  check  for  $146.04, 
being  one  half  of  the  commissions  he  had  received  while 
in  office  as  Pilot  Commissioner,  and  "thanks  and  con- 
dolence" vsxre  voted  his  father,  Thomas  Parsons,  Esq., 
who  had  "sanctioned  and  approved"  the  gift. 

"An  application  or  letter  from  Benj.  H.  A.  Collins 
of  Eastham  &  signed  by  him  &  twenty  others  in  that 
vicinity,  praying  the  aid  of  this  Society  in  an  application 
to  Congress  for  a  Light  house  on  the  back  of  Cape  Cod 
in  the  vicinity  of  a  place  called  Nauset  Beach  was  read 
and  debated  and  referred  to  a  Committee,"  with  instruc- 
tions to  report. 

A  committee  for  the  purpose  of  urging  on  Congress 
"our  request  for  a  number  of  Buoys  to  be  placed  in 
the  outer  harbor  for  the  safety  of  Navigation,"  was 
appointed,  and  the  "Sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  be 
appropriated  for  tllat  purpose." 


Records  of  the  Bosto7i  Mai'ine   Society.         123 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  March,  1836,  it  was  voted  to 
solicit  Congress,  through  the  Hon.  "Abot  Lawrence," 
our  representative,  for  the  Hght-house  at  Nauset,  and 
"a  grant  of  ten  thousand  dollars  for  the  above  purpose." 

The  Committee's  report  in  favor  of  three  light-houses 
at  Nauset,  follow,  and  the  memorial  to  Congress  in 
accordance  therewith,  and  asking  for  $10,000,  is  given. 
It  is  gratifying  to  knov^  the  result  was  favorable,  and 
most  of  us  have,  no  doubt,  had  good  reason  to  bless  the 
Society  for  their  action  in  this  matter. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  ist  November,  1836,  "  Voted 
That  Thos  B.  Curtis,  Danl  C.  Bacon  &  William  Sturgis 
be  a  Committee  to  write  a  letter  to  Capt.  Thomas  Ap 
Catesby  Jones,  commander  of  the  U.  S.  exploring 
Squadron  at  Norfolk  Virga,  expressing  their  good 
wishes  for  his  success,  &  wishing  health,  prosperity  & 
happiness  in  his  voyage  &  a  safe  return  to  his  Country 
&  friends." 

And  it  was  ' '  moved  and  Seconded  that  Capt  Thomas 
Ap  Catesby  Jones  be  a  member  of  this  Society  &  Voted 
Unanimously." 

Stock  and  funds  of  the  Society,  this  date,  $26,403.33. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  at  the  Neptune  Insurance  office, 
3d  January,  1837,  "Moved  &  Seconded  that  We  dis- 
pence  for  one  year  having  quarterly  suppers,  that  is  to 
say,  at  quarterly  meetings,  and  that  when  We  adjourn, 
we  are  until  further  orders  to  meet  at  the  Neptune  Ins. 
Office." 

The  record  does  not  say  if  this  vote  was  carried. 

A  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Society  was  held  at  the 
Neptune  Insurance  Office,  the  7th  February,  1837,  when 
an    application  was    made    to  the    Society,  by  Thomas 


1 24        Records  of  the  Boston  Ma^'ine  Society. 

Bradlee,  Esqr.,  of  "Homes  Hole  That  a  Committee  be 
appointed  to  memorialize  Congress  requesting  a  Survey 
and  estimate  of  expence,  of  erecting  a  Breakwater  at 
Homes  Hole,  &  after  much  debate  &  consideration  of 
the  same,  it  was  unanimously  Voted  That  Capt.  Thomas 
B.  Curtis,  Winslow  Lewis  &  George  Hallet  be  the 
committee  for  this  purpose." 

"  It  was  moved,  &  seconded  by  Several  members,  that 
the  President  be  requested  to  have  a  suitable  entertain- 
ment provided  at  the  quarterly  meetings,  at  some  central 
&  suitable  place  ;  unanimously  agreed  to  at  this  meeting 
&  Voted  accordingly." 

So  it  appears  the  attempted  retrenchment  of  the  trus- 
tee meeting  in  January,  found  small  favor  in  the  eyes  of 
the  Society. 

The  following  letter  is  recorded  : 

Mr.   Tho77ias  Lamb  Treasurer  *JB.  M.  Society : 

Dear  Sir  :  A  year  has  passed  away  since  I  made  a 
donation  for  the  relief  of  the  poor  &  destitute  members 
of  your  Society.  I  now  enclose  a  check  for  five  hundred 
dollars  for  the  same  purpose.  If  your  Gentlemen  sliould 
think  it  will  have  a  tendency  to  do  as  much  good  if 
distributed  as  Avas  done  last  year,  they  w411  so  do  it,  it 
accords  with  my  view  of  the  case. 

I  pray  you  not  to  think  that  I  wish  to  prescribe. 
I  am  respectfully  your  obdt  Svnt 

Theodore  Lyman. 

Mr.  Lamb  thankfully  acknowledges  receipt  of  the 
above  amount,  refers  to  the  proposed  disposition  of  the 
same,  and  assures  Mr.  Lyman  of  the  "grateful  feelings 


Records  of  the  Boston  Ala?- hie  Society.         125 

of  those  who  are  the  means  of  conveying  his  bountiful 
aid  as  well  as  of  those  who  are  to  receive  it." 

The  memorial  to  Congress  for  a  breakwater  at 
"Holmes  Hole,"  appears  under  date  of  nth  Febru- 
ary. The  memorialists  think  it  would  "ensure  the 
safety  of  shipping  seeking  a  harbor  in  that  place," 
and  pray  for  "  a  survey,  prefaratory  to  building  such 
breakwater." 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  the  7th  March,  appears  "  an 
application  by  letter  from  William  Swett  &  Co.  for  the 
approval  of  the  Trustees  of  this  Society  to  aid  in  their 
application  to  the  Legislature  for  leave  to  erect  a  Powder 
House  on  Birds  Island  of  Stone  &  in  such  a  way  as  to 
appear  as  a  monument  to  direct  navigation,  the  Same 
being  approved  by  the  Trustees  &  Consequently  Voted, 
That  the  President  be  requested  to  answer  said  letter 
accordingly." 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  in  April,  a  communication 
regarding  pilotage  of  British  vessels,  was  received  and 
referred  to  "  a  Committee  v^ith  instructions  to  grant  to 
his  Britannic  majesties  vice  consul,  a  hearing  in  the 
premises." 

At  the  quarterly  meeting.  May  3d,  1837,  appears  the 
following  letters : 

To  the  P^-esident  of  the  Boston  Ma7'i7te  Society: 

Sir  :  The  dut}-  of  collecting  information  relative  to, 
and  the  examination  of  Aldridges  Ledge,  False  Spit, 
Hunts  Ledge,  Hospital  Island  Ledge,  Governors  Island 
Point  and  Little  Fawn  Bar  having  been  assigned  to  me 
with  orders  to  report  on  the  expediency  of  placing  Buoys 
on  the  Same  &c,  I  beg  that  you  w^ill  be  pleased  to  give 


136         Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

me  such  information  as  you  may  possess  in  relation  to 
the  subject,  as  may  aid  me  in  the  discharge  of  this  duty. 
I  am  Sir  with  great  respect  Your  Mo.  Ob.  Servt 
Jno.  Downes,  Comm.  Navy  Yard. 

[Answer.] 

Sir:  In  reply  to  youi  communication  addressed  to 
the  President  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society,  I  would 
remark  that  a  Survey  seems  necessary  for  the  purpose 
of  regulating  the  position  &  condition  of  the  Buoys  in 
Boston  Bay  &  harbour,  some  of  which  from  accidental 
causes  have  been  wholly  removed  or  displaced,  of  the 
places  referred  to  in  your  letter,  I  should  think  Buoys 
would  be  necessary  on  Aldridges  Ledge  and  Little 
Fawn  bar,  and  possibly  on  the  others. 

Respectfully  &c  &c. 

There  is  no  signature  to  this,  but  Thomas  B.  Curtis 
was  the  then  President. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  7th  November,  1837,  ^^  ^^^^ 
Exchange  Coftee  House,  the  usual  business  and  choice 
of  officers  was  gone  through  with,  and  it  was  voted, 
"  That  a  Committee  of  six  Gentlemen  be  chosen  to  form 
regulate  and  manage  the  conserns  of  the  Museuin  and 
Library,  now  forming  for  the  Boston  Marine  Society, 
and  that  said  Coinmittee  shall  have  full  power  to  con- 
duct the  same,"  and  the  Committee  was  chosen. 

The  funds  and  stock  of  the  Society  at  this  time  were 

$27'403-33- 

A  special  meeting  of  trustees  was  held  on  the  nth 
November,  at  which  a  statement  was  made  by  "  R.  C. 


Records  of  the  Boston  jSIarme  Society.         127 

Manners  Esqr.  his  Britanick  Majesties  Vice  Consul," 
relative  to  charge  of  pilotage  at  this  port  on  British 
vessels  to  and  from  the  Provinces.  The  Committee 
previously  appointed  made  a  full  report  on  the  subject, 
"and  to  diminish  the  vexation  complained  of,"  recom- 
mended that  "regulations  be  made  to  exempt  all  vessels 
whose  draft  shall  be  less  than  seven  feet,"  unless  sei'vices 
of  a  pilot  vs^ere  rendered. 

At  a  trustee  meeting,  2d  January,  1838,  the  subject 
matter  of  lights  and  light  houses  of  the  coast  being 
brought  forvvard,  it  was  voted  "  That  in  the  opinion 
of  this  Board  the  general  character  of  the  Lights  on  this 
Coast  are  good  and  that  much  credit  is  due  the  depart- 
ment under  whose  superintendance  the  Light  houses  are 
placed  &  for  the  good  order  the  Light  houses  evince 
&  the  exertions  used  to  maintain  efficient  light." 

Voted,  "That  the  Secretary  be  requested  to  write  a 
letter  to  Stephen  Pleasonton  Esqr  5th  Auditor  &  acting 
comm.  of  the  revenue  &  to  transmit  to  him  a  certified 
copy  of  this  vote." 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  6th  February,  1838,  a  com- 
mittee of  two  was  appointed  to  examine  and  report  "as 
to  the  use  &  utility  of  the  proposed  Fog  bell,"  and  the 
same  Committee  was  instructed  to  consider  the  "peti- 
tion of  Mrs.  Mellish  respecting  her  Husbands  invention, 
and  that  they  report  the  result  of  their  opinion  on  its 
merits,  and  if  approved  they  forward  a  request  to 
Congress  in  the  name  of  the  Society,  in  aid  of  her 
application." 

At  the  next  trustee  meeting,  6th  March,  vv^e  learn  this 
invention  was  for  "plugging  Ships  Decks  &  Sides,"  and 
the    report   thereon   was   read    and    accepted.     Thanks 


128        Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

of  the  Society  were  voted  Capt.  R.  B.  Forbes  for  "a 
donation  of  $47  to  the  funds  of  the  vSociety  at  the  last 
Qiiarterly  Meeting." 

The  report  on  the  proposed  fog-bell,  or  as  we 
now  call  it,  bell-buoy,  is  made  at  this  meeting,  and  in 
the  light  of  to-day  appears  odd  enough.  It  seems  to 
have  been  then  claimed  as  the  invention  of  a  Mr.  Morse. 
We  extract : 

*^The  Committee  readily  admitts  the  great  advantage 
that  would  accrue  to  navigation,  by  embracing  with  the 
senses  of  seeing  &  feeling  (by  the  lead  &  line)  that 
of  hearing,  but  they  as  readily  perceive  that  unless  the 
sound  which  shall  aid  the  latter  shall  be  permanent  & 
of  a  distinct  character  that  evils  may  arise  by  a  reliance 
upon  it. 

"Bells,  chimes,  gongs  or  artillery  appear  to  present 
the  best  expedients,  all  however  requiring  manual  aid 
unless  the  mashineary  of  Mr.  Morse  can  be  applied  to 
the  Bell  or  Gong  with  permanency  &  continuous  effect. 

"•The  mashineary  being  to  be  operated  upon  by  the 
rise  &  fall  of  the  tide  &  the  agitation  of  the  waves 
acting  on  a  moored  float,  presents  to  the  minds  of  the 
Committee  several  obstacles  to  be  overcome,  such  as  the 
more  or  less  commotion  of  waves,  the  quiescent  state 
of  the  tides  at  the  periods  of  high  &  low  water  &  more 
especially  the  accumulation  of  ice  on  the  chain  which 
connects  the  mashineary  with  the  float,  if  these  obstacles 
can  be  surmounted  &  the  mashineary  can  be  constantly 
kept  in  good  order,  the  plan  of  Mr.  Morse  may  be 
rendered  highly  usefull  to  the  purposes  designed,  relative 
to  all  which  points  the  Committee  cannot  give  a  very 
decided  opinion,  as  they  have  not   access  to  the  model 


Records  of  the  Boston  ^larine  Society.         1 29 

which  they  understand  is  at  Washington.  They  liave 
however  seen  drawing  &  had  explanations  of  the 
mash i nary  made  by  a  person  acquainted  with  the 
same. 

"If  upon  the  examination  of  the  model  by  competent 
judges  at  Washington,  it  shall  be  deemed^  expedient  for 
an  appropriation  to  be  made  to  try  the  experiment,  the 
Committee  would  recommend  that  it  be  carried  into 
effect,  at  the  entrance  of  Boston  harbour  upon  the  light 
house  Island,  as  it  ^vould  be  impossible  without  incur- 
ring vast  expence  to  erect  the  machinery  upon  the 
Graves  as  has  been  recommended,  and  they  are  of 
opinion  that  one  Bell  will  be  sufficient  to  test  the  utility 
of  the  ingenious  invention  of  Mr.  Morse." 

To  the  Hon.  John  Davis,  Washington,  and  signed  by 
the  Committee  ;  and  certainly  no  more  cautious,  non- 
committal document  was  ever  recorded. 

The  same  Committee  report  "on  the  benefits  which 
have  accrued  to  navigation  from  the  invention  of  Capt, 
Mellis,  of  a  plan  now  in  general  use  of  plugging  ships 
decks  &  sides,  both  in  the  U.  S.  Navy  &  commercial 
marine  ;  express  our  unqualified  opinion  of  its  general 
merits  in  preventing  ships  from  decay  &  adding  to  their 
beauty  &  usefullness. 

"The  Committee  fully  concur  in  the  opinion  expressed 
in  the  recommendation  to  Congress  to  which  this  is 
attached,  and  would  respectfully  request  that  an  appro- 
priation be  made  for  the  benefit  of  the  Widdow  & 
Children  of  the  inventor,  which  we  think  would  be 
usefully  applied  as  an  encouragement  of  our  Naval 
architecture,  to  w^hich  this  invention  has  so  materially 
contributed.*' 


150        Records  of  the  Boston  Marijie  Society. 

The  latter  sentence  is  somewhat  straggling  and  inco- 
herent, but  its  meaning  can  be  got  at. 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  3d  April,  thanks  were  voted 
"  S.  Pleasanton  Esqr  5th  Auditor  and  acting  Commis- 
sioner of  the  Revenue,"  for  two  pamphlets,  respecting 
the  light-houses  on  the  coast  of  the  United  States. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  ist  May,  183S,  held  at  the 
Exchange  Coffee  House,  the  following  preamble  and 
resolutions  were  presented  by  Capt.  William  Austin. 

"  The  Society  since  the  last  meeting  having  been 
deprived  by  death  of  one  of  its  most  eminent  and  illus- 
trious Members,  the  sentiments  of  veneration  felt  for  his 
character  demands  the  expression  of  it,  on  the  records 
of  this  Society,  Therefore  Resolved 

"  That  in  the  lamented  decease  of  the  late  Honble 
Nathaniel  Bowditch  L.  L.  D.,  an  honorary  member  of 
this  Society,  we  find  the  most  ample  cause  for  deep 
regret  &  extensive  sympathy.  We  sympathize  with 
the  friends  of  astronomical  and  mathematical  research, 
with  the  votaries  of  commerce  &  navigation,  and  most 
deeply  do  we  condole  with  his  relatives  &  immediate 
friends.  He  hath  wrought  a  good  work  &  rests  from 
his  labours. 

"An  astronomer,  a  mathematician  &  navigator  him- 
self, a  friend  &  benefactor  has  he  been  to  the  navigator 
and  Seaman,  and  few  can  so  justly  appreciate  the  excel- 
lence &  utility  of  his  labours,  as  the  Members  of  this 
Society.  We  have  found  in  them  an  unerring  guide  & 
a  familiar  introductor  to  the  knowledge  of  the  heavenly 
bodies,  and  the  use  of  every  instrument  and  calculation 
subservient  to  the  purposes  of  their  profession  as 
navigators. 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society.         131 

"  His  intuitive  mind  sought  &  amassed  knowledge,  to 
impart  it  to  the  world  in  more  easy  forms.  His  life  & 
examples  in  all  their  phases,  present  more  to  admire  & 
approve  than  we  may  hope  to  see  imitated  &  achieved 
by  another  individual. 

"  The  Society  will  cherish  his  virtues  and  hold  his 
character  &  memory  in  sacred  Veneration,  and  accord- 
inglv  resolved,  That  the  preseding  resolve  be  entered  on 
the  records  and  that  the  Secretary  cause  a  copy  of  the 
same  to  be  transmitted  to  the  family  of  the  late  Nathl 
Bowditch  L.  L.  D.  and  likewise  published  in  the  papers 
of  this  City." 

Other  vote  and  resolution  in  connection  with  Dr. 
Bowditch's  death,  follow,  in  both  of  which  the  L.  L.  D. 
is  pre-eminently  conspicuous,  and  seems  to  have  been  a 
consolation. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting  in  August,  1838,  a  committee 
of  three  was  chosen,  ''to  make  a  survey  of  the  Minots 
Ledges,  and  their  opinion  of  the  practicability  and 
expediency  of  building  a  light  on  one  of  the  said 
Ledges."  The  Committee  w^ere  Winslow  Lewis,  Caleb 
Curtis,  and  Henry  Oxnard. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  in  November,  the  Committee 
report  in  favor  of  the  project.  They  say,  "  the  practi- 
cability of  building  a  light  house,  on  it  that  will  with- 
stand the  force  of  the  Sea  does  not  admit  of  a  doubt. 
The  importance  of  having  a  light  house  on  a  rock  so 
dangerous  to  the  navigation  of  Boston,  on  v^rhich  so 
many  valuable  lives  &  so  much  property  has  been  lost  is 
too  well  known  to  need  comment."  And  they  ask  for 
a  committee  to  petition  Congress  for  an  appropriation 
and  survey;     one    was    accordingly  appointed    for    that 


132        Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

purpose,  consisting  of  Daniel  C.  Bacon,  William  Austin, 
and  Winslow  Lewis. 

It  was  voted,  that  the  Committee  on  the  Museum  be 
requested  to  report  their  doings  at  the  next  quarterly 
meeting.  Funds  and  property  of  the  Society  at  this 
date,  $28,103.33. 

The  trustee  meeting  of  January,  1839,  gi'^'ss  us  the 
petition  to  Congress,  for  the  survey  and  appropriation 
of  and  for  the  Minot's  Ledge  light-house,  with  a  letter 
from  Daniel  C.  Bacon,  then  President  of  the  Society,  to 
Hon.  Richard  Fletcher,  at  Washington,  which  last  is 
too  well  and  tersely  expressed  to  be  omitted. 

Boston,  Jany  19th,   1839. 
Ho7z.  Richard  Fletcher^   Washiiigton  : 

Sir  :  At  the  last  annual  meeting  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Society,  Capts.  Winslow  Lewis,  William  Austin,  & 
myself,  were  chosen  a  Committee  to  petition  Congress 
to  authorize  an  appropriation  for  a  survey  of  Cohasset 
Rocks  in  Boston  Bay,  and  that  a  competent  Engineer 
may  be  appointed  by  Government  for  that  purpose,  and 
I  now  by  direction  of  said  Committee  enclose  to  you 
said  petition,  and  request  you  will  have  it  presented  and 
will  endeavor  to  have  the  object  of  the  petition  carried 
into  effect. 

The  rocks  referred  to  are  situated  nine  miles  S.  E. 
from  the  entrance  of  Boston  harbor.  Half  a  mile  outside 
these  lies  a  sunken  rock  called  Minot's  Ledge,  dry  at  low 
water  and  ten  feet  upon  it  at  high  tide.  This  last 
mentioned  rock  lies  in  the  track  of  all  vessels  bound  in 
or  out  of  Boston  harbor,  has  always  been  a  dread  to 
Mariners,  [and    the    loss  of    property  upon    it    the    last 


Recoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Mariiie  Society.         133 

twenty  years  has  been  immense,  with  many  valuable 
lives.  The  object  of  the  Marine  Society  in  having  this 
survey  made,  is  to  ascertain  the  practicability  of  building 
a  light-house  or  beacon  on  Minot's  ledge,  of  which  said 
Societv  have  no  doubt. 

There  is  no  spot  on  the  coast  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  where  a  light-house  may  be  the  means  of 
preserving  more  lives  and  property  than  on  this  rock, 
and  every  person  acquainted  with  its  situation  cannot 
but  be  convinced  of  the  immense  importance  it  would 
be  to  the  mercantile  interests  of  the  Countrv,  to  have  a 
light-house  erected  on  Minot's  ledge. 

I  am  Sir  Very  Respectfully  Your  obedient  Servant, 

Daniel  C.  Bacox. 

Errors  of  orthography  in  the  foregoing  letter  have 
been  corrected,  as  from  the  the  writer's  knowledge  of 
Capt.  Bacon's  epistolary  compositions,  they  are  the 
errors  of  the  recorder  rather  than  the  author. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  5th  February,  1839,  "-^ 
letter  from  Hon.  J.  Davis  now  at  Washington  to  the 
President  respecting  apprentices  to  be  taken  by  the 
owners  of  Ships  according  to  Tonnage  of  Burthen, 
being  read  &  considered,"  the  same  was  referred  to  a 
"  Select  Committee  of  six  members." 

It  was  "Moved  by  the  Secretary  &  seconded  by 
several  Gentlemen  That  a  Vote  of  thanks  be  given  to 
Caleb  Curtis,  Thomas  S.  Dimmock  and  Francis  Dew- 
son  esquires  for  their  friendly  aid  to  the  Secretary  in 
collecting  the  arrearages  due  to  the  Society,  for  their 
interest  and  influence  in  introducing  several  respectable 
new   members,  and    for    their   general   good    feeling   & 


134        Records  of  the  Boston  JMarlne  Society. 

support  of  the  Interests  &  well  doeing  of  this  institution. 
Voted  unanimously  accordingly." 

"The  Committee  on  the  museum  not  having  made 
their  report  of  their  doeings  this  quarter  Voted  That 
Capt.  Frans  Devvson  be  added  to  that  Committee,  &  are 
requested  to  make  a  full  report  at  the  next  quarterly 
meeting." 

It  was  moved  "by  Capt.  Joseph  W.  Lewis  that  an 
office  be  provided  for  the  Boston  Marine  Society  and 
wherein  the  Books  &  papers  relateing  to  the  Society  may 
be  kept  and  refered  to  when  occasion  may  require  & 
where  the  members  may  call  for  payment  of  arrearages 
or  making  reports,  and  seconded  by  several  members,  it 
was  proposed  to  refer  the  same  to  a  Committee." 

At  the  trustee  meeting  in  April,  at  the  Neptune 
Insurance  Office,  letters  were  read  from  Hon.  Richard 
Fletcher  and  Hon.  John  Davis,  the  former  in  answer  to 
Capt.  Bacon's  letter  regarding  the  proposed  light-house 
on  Minot's,  and  the  latter  with  reference  to  an  appren- 
tice law.  Mr.  Fletcher  says  "the  letter  was  received  so 
late  in  the  session  that  there  is  little  probability"  an 
appropriation  would  be  made,  but  adds  "I  have  con- 
versed with  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  &  have  his 
opinion  that  the  Committee  shall  give  to  the  subject 
their  constant  attention." — "I  will  do  all  in  my  power 
to  effect  the  object." 

We  give  Mr.  Davis'  letter,  as  appears  b}'  the  context, 
to  the  President  of  the  Society. 

Washington,  33d  Jany,  1S39. 
Dear  Sir:  —  W^e    have  been  frequently   &   urgently 
requested  to  make  provision  by  law,  requiring  all  vessels 


Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society.         131^ 

clearing  for  foreign  ports,  to  take  out  apprentice  boys, 
more  or  less,  according  to  the  Tonnage  of  the  Craft. 
I  am  desirous  of  availing  myself  of  the  opinion  of  the 
Society  over  \vhich  you  preside  on  this  matter,  as  I 
have  been  some  fearfull  it  would  impose  an  additional 
burden  on  navigation,  which  would  increase  the  neces- 
sity of  the  competition  with  foreign  Freighters.  —  ?  — 
The  enquiry  naturally  enough  suggests  to  evince  why 
are  not  boys  now  employed  if  it  be  for  the  interests  of 
navigation  so  to  do.  May  I  hope  for  an  early  answer? 
I  am  &c." 

The  foregoing  letter,  in  the  record,  comes  after  the 
ans^ver  of  the  Society,  extracts  from  which  follow. 

"The  Committee  having  consulted  with  many  of  our 
principal  ship  owners  on  the  matter,  found  them  almost 
universally  opposed  to  having  any  law  compelling  them 
to  take  one  or  more  apprentices  to  ships  engaged  in 
foreign  trade,  and  it  is  the  opinion  of  said  Committee 
should  a  la\v  be  passed  requiring  any  vessel  engaged 
in  foreign  Commerce  to  take  apprentices,  it  would  be 
disapproved  by  the  principal  part  of  the  Commercial 
Community  and  cause  much  trouble  &  inconvenience  to 
all  ship  owners." 

"This  Committee  are  aware  that  a  large  portion 
of  the  Seamen  navigating  our  ships  at  this  time,  are 
foreigners  ;  but  as  long  as  a  sufficient  number  of  Ameri- 
can Seamen  can  be  obtained  to  clear  our  Ships  according 
to  law",  no  ship  ow^iier  would  willingly  consent  to  be 
burthened  with  apprentice  Boys  to  his  ship." 

"Boys  from  13  to  16  years  of  age,  ^vhen  they  first 
commence  going  to  sea  are  of  very  little  service  and 
cannot  do  sufficient  labor  to  pay  for  their  board."     *     * 


136        Records  of  the  Boston  JMarhie  Society. 

*'We  are  sensible  of  the  importance  of  having  our 
ships  navigated  by  American  seamen,  but  do  not  pretend 
to  decide  upon  the  most  eligible  method  of  accomplish- 
ing this  object.  We  would  however  suggest  that  a  law 
might  be  passed  requiring  all  merchants  sending  ships 
on  foreign  voyages,  to  take  one  or  more  boys  from 
13  to  16  years  of  age  in  each  vessel  for  the  voyage 
&c.,  &c.  *  *  *  *  It  is  the  opinion  of  the  Com- 
mittee that  inany  of  our  merchants  would  not  approve 
this  plan,  but  it  would  be  much  less  objectionable  than 
the  apprentice  system  &  be  the  means  of  increasing 
Ainerican  seaman  full  as  fast."  Signed,  Daniel  C. 
Bacon,  Richard  Soule,  Samuel  Qiiincy,  Caleb  Curtis, 
Israel  Whitney,  Winslow  Lewis. 

Looking  from  the  standpoint  of  to-day,  it  seems  a 
pity  the  apprentice  system  or  the  plan  suggested  had  not 
been  fully  carried  out. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  August,  1S39,  further 
preamble  and  resolutions  were  passed,  having  refer- 
ence to  "a  large  museum  of  natural  &  artificial  curi- 
osities," about  to  be  established  by  some  gentlemen, 
who,  it  appears,  had  proposed,  under  certain  condi- 
tions, to  take  the  Society's  collection,  and  it  was 
asked,  "If  the  Society  see  fit  to  accede  to  the  propo- 
sition alluded  to,"  and  to  "give  up  the  Cabinet  into 
the  hands  of  the  proprietors  of  the  museimi,  with  the 
further  understanding  that  the  various  articles  are  to 
be  considered  the  property  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Societ}',"  etc.  ? 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  ist  October,  1S39,  the  death  of 
Thomas  English,  Esq.,  late  Secretary,  was  announced, 
and  Robert  B.  Edes  chosen  Secretary,  pj-o  tet??. 


Recoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society.         137 

It  was  voted,  that  "  Danl  C.  Bacon  be  a  Committee 
to  make  enquiry  concerning  the  curiosities  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  Boston  Marine  Society,  and  of  the  transfer- 
ring them  to  the  proprietors  of  the  ne^v  Museum  now 
buildino-  in  this  Citv  and  rcDort  at  the  next  meeting^  of 
the  trustees." 

At  a  special  meeting  of  trustees,  ist  November,  1839. 
the  Committee  on  the  Museum  reported,  ''  that  in 
consequence  of  the  derangement  in  the  concerns  of 
the  Persons  who  proposed  taking  the  curiosities  &c 
belonging  to  the  Society,  found  it  not  practicable  to 
make  any  disposition  of  them  at  present." 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  5th  November,  at  the 
Exchange  Coffee  House,  seventy-three  members  ^vere 
present,  fifty-five  at  supper. 

On  motion  of  Thomas  Lamb,  Esq.,  Treasurer  of  the 
Societv.  it  was  voted,  "  as  a  token  of  respect  for  the 
memory  of  their  late  Secretary  the  Society  grant  the 
sum  of  One  Hundred  dollars  in  addition  to  the  salary 
due  to  him  at  his  decease,  and  that  the  Trustees  allow 
the  same "  in  settlement  with  the  administrator  of  the 
deceased. 

A  communication  was  received  from  ]SIr.  B.  F. 
Greenough,  respecting  his  newly-invented  chemical  oil," 
and  a  committee  v^'as  appointed  to  attend  an  "exhibition 
of  the  same."  Another  committee  was  appointed  to 
"  draft  a  petition  and  obtain  signatures  for  a  Light  house 
on  Minots  Ledge."  Funds  of  the  Society  at  this  date, 
$28,803.33. 

At  the  trustee  meeting,  7th  January,  1840,  the  Com- 
mittee previously  appointed  reported  favorabl}'  of  Mr. 
Greenough's  ne^v  chemical  oil  for  light-houses.      Copy 


13S        Records  of  the  Bosto7i  Mai'ine  Society. 

of  a  very  length}'  and  well-worded  petition,  is  likewise 
given,  for  the  light-house  on  Minot's  Ledge  ;  with  an 
equally  long  and  well- worded  letter  to  Hon.  Abbot 
Lawrence,  then  Member  of  Congress  at  Washington,  on 
the  same  subject. 

At  a  special  trustee  meeting,  Sth  May,  1840,  voted, 
*'That  Thos  Lamb  Esqr  the  treasurer  of  this  Corporation, 
be  authorized  to  receive  in  behalf  of  this  Corporation, 
from  the  Executor  of  the  will  of  Capt.  Thos  S.  Winslow, 
late  of  said  Boston  deceased,  the  amount  of  the  legacy 
given  in  said  will  to  this  corporation,  (by  the  name  of 
the  Boston  Marine  Society)  or  such  sums  as  the  said 
Executor  may  now  or  hereafter  pay  on  account  thereof, 
&  on  such  payment  or  payments  to  execute  &  deliver  in 
behalf  of  said  Corporation  a  Receipt  therefor  &  an  obli- 
gation to  refund  in  case  of  need  according  to  the  form 
proposed  by  said  Executor." 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  3d  November,  1840,  •■'  on 
motion  of  Mr.  Geo.  Hallet,  it  was  voted  that  the 
Committee  that  was  appointed  at  the  annual  meeting 
1839  ^^  petition  Congress  for  an  appropriation  to  build  a 
Light  House  on  Minots  Ledge,  be  requested  to  use  their 
best  endeavors  to  obtain  it  at  the  next  Congress."  The 
Committee  consisted  of  Daniel  C.  Bacon,  Israel  Whit- 
ney, Winslow  Lewis,  and  Thomas  B.  Curtis. 

The  "  Inventory  of  Property  belonging"  to  the  Society 
at  this  date,  shows  an  amount  of  $30,003.33. 

Various  matters,  in  connection  with  pilotage  and 
pilots  of  the  port,  appear  from  time  to  time,  with  the 
usual  routine  business  of  the  Society. 

"At  a  Trustee  Meeting  held  at  the  Neptune  Ins. 
Office  3d  March  1841,  A  communication  from  Edward 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.        139 

Blake  Esqr  administrator  of  the  Estate  of  Capt.  Dixey 
Wildes  deceased,  being  read,"  it  was  "Voted  Unani- 
mously that  in  view  of  the  circumstances  as  stated  in 
this  communication,  the  Trustees  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Society  ought  not  to  receive  and  do  hereby  decline 
receiving,  the  legacy  left  to  the  Society  by  the  will  of 
their  late  highly  respected  member  Capt.  Dixey  Wildes, 
Also  Voted  that  the  letter  of  Mr.  Blake  Administrator 
be  placed  on  file,  and  that  the  Secretary  communicate 
to  him  the  doings  of  the  Trustees  in  regard  to  it." 

An  adjourned  meeting  of  the  Trustees  was  held  next 
day,  to  nominate  "a  Commissioner  of  Pilots  and  Pilot- 
age," and  Capt.  Caleb  Curtis  was  "  recommended  to  the 
Governor  and  Council"  for  that  office. 

"  A  Communication  from  Hon.  R.  C.  Winthrop 
respecting  Minots  Ledge  was  read,"  and  placed  on  file. 

Under  date  of  14th  April,  1841,  appears  the  following 
letter : 

To  the  President  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society : 

Sir  :  We  request  you  to  call  a  Special  meeting  of  the 
Boston  Marine  Society  for  the  purpose  of  making 
arrangements  for  the  coming  Funeral  Ceremonial  for 
the  Death  of  the  late  President  of  the  United  States  Wm 
Hy  Harrison. 

Respectfully  Your  Obt  Servts 
Caleb  Curtis,  Wm  Rollins,  Philo.  S.  Shelton, 
B.  T.  Reed,  T.  C.  Smith. 

The  special  meeting  was  called  on  the  i6th,  and  the 
following  resolutions  were  offered  by  John  S.  Sleeper, 
and  unanimously  accepted  : 


140         Records  of  the  Boston  ^lariiie  Society. 

"Whereas  the  death  of  William  Henry  Harrison  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  the  Hero  the  Patriot  and 
the  Christian,  the  friend  of  his  Country  and  the  friend 
of  mankind,  is  justly  regarded  as  an  afflicting  dispensa- 
tion of  Providence,  indeed  as  a  National  calamity,  which 
has  spread  sorrow  through  the  land  and  clad  our  Citizens 
in  the  habiliments  of  mourninof. 

'•Therefore  Resolved,  that  the  members  of  the  Boston 
Marine  Society  fully  participate  in  the  general  grief  for 
the  death  of  this  distinguished  man  who  held  the  highest 
Office  in  the  gift  of  a  free  People,  and  w^ho  by  his  last 
letter  addressed  to  the  Collector  of  Customs  in  New 
York  proved  himself  to  be  the  Sailors  Frleitd. 

••Resolved,  that  the  Members  of  this  Society  fully 
approve  of  the  course  adopted  by  the  City  authorities  in 
making  arrangements  to  celebrate  the  Funeral  Obsequies 
of  William  Henry  Harrison  by  a  public  procession  and 
an  eulogy  ;  and  will  use  all  their  exertions  as  individuals 
and  as  members  of  the  Society,  to  carry  out  the  wishes, 
in  this  respect  of  the  City  Authorities. 

"And  Fiti'thermore  Resolved.,  that  a  Committee  of 
seven  be  appointed  by  the  President  to  retire  and  report 
at  this  meeting  any  arrangements  which  it  may  be 
considered  expedient  to  ado^Dt  for  this  purpose." 

The  Committee  was  appointed,  "  retired  and  subse- 
quently reported,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  Mem- 
bers in  a  body  to  join  the  Funeral  procession  on  Tuesday 
next.  That  the  Members  appear  in  a  dark  costume 
appropriate  to  the  occasion  wearing  crape  on  the  left 
arm,  and  also  wearing  a  certain  badge,  which  will  be 
prepared  for  the  Members  exclusively,  that  a  suitable 
banner  and  a  flag  be  borne  by  members  of  the  Society, 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society,         141 

and   the  whole  to   be   under   direction  of  the   Marshall 
Capt.  James  W.  Sever." 

These  resolutions  were  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the 
city  papers,  and  "a  printed  notice  sent  to  every  mem- 
ber no^v  at  home,"  and  it  \vas  voted,  "that  in  case 
Capt.  Seaver  could  not  attend  to  the  duties  assigned 
him,  then  the  Committee  be  authorized  to  appoint 
another." 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  4th  May,  1841,  it  vs^as 
moved  by  John  S.  Sleeper,  "  that  a  Committee  of  three 
be  raised  to  select  a  convenient  and  proper  room  for  the 
keeping  of  sundry  articles  (curiosities)  being  the  prop- 
erty of  the  Society  and  report  their  doings  at  the  next 
annual  meeting."  Daniel  C.  Bacon,  Thomas  C.  Smith, 
and  John  L.  Dimmock,  were  appointed. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  3d  August,  1S41,  held  at 
the  Exchange  Coffee  House,  thirty- three  members  were 
present,  thirty-one  at  supper.  "A  communication  hav- 
ing been  read  from  Walter  Channing,  George  Blagdon, 
Ezra  S.  Gannett  and  C.  F.  Adams,  a  Committee 
appointed  by  the  Citizens  of  Boston  at  a  meeting  on  the 
5th  May  last,  to  take  into  consideration  the  practica- 
bility of  the  plan  proposed  by  Mr.  M.  Vattemare,"  it  was 
"  Voted,  that  the  communication  be  placed  on  file,  & 
that  the  President  reply  to  it  stating,  that  as  this  Society 
v^^as  instituted  solely  for  Charitable  purposes,  they  can  do 
nothing  in  their  corporate  capacity,  tow^ards  promoting 
the  objects  as  set  forth  in  that  communication,  at  the 
same  time  assuring  the  Committee  of  the  approval  of 
their  plan,  by  every  individual  present  at  the  meeting." 

We  have  no  record  of  the  purport  or  purpose  of  Mr. 
Vattemare's   plan,  but  no  doubt  the  decision  accorded 


142        Records  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society. 

with  the  objects  of  the  Society,  though  neither  in  action 
or  intent,  has  it  ever  been  "  solely  charitable." 

It  was  ''Voted  that  a  Committee  of  Four  be  chosen 
to  visit  Minots  Ledge  and  ascertain  the  diameter  and  the 
situation  of  the  surface  of  the  Ledge  at  low  w^ater  spring 
tides  and  report  at  the  next  Annual  Meeting."  The 
Committee  was  chosen,  the  President  subsequently 
added,  and  it  was  voted,  ''  That  the  Committee  apply  to 
the  Collector  in  the  name  of  the  Society,  requesting  that 
the  Revenue  Cutter  be  ordered  to  take  the  Committee  to 
Minots  Ledge  at  such  times  as  they  may  deem  proper  to 
make  examination  as  to  its  extent." 

It  appears  here,  by  a  letter  from  the  President,  that 
the  object  of  Mr.  Vattemare,  just  now  referred  to,  was 
co-operation  and  assistance,  pecuniary  or  otherwise, 
towards  some  literary  project. 

At  the  Annual  meeting,  2d  November,  1S41,  at  the 
Exchange  Coffee  House,  there  w^ere  ninety-two  members 
present,  sixty  were  at  the  supper. 

The  Committee  on  Minot's  Ledge  presented  and  read 
their  report,  which  was  accepted.     It  is  as  follows. 

They  report,  "That  in  the  name  of  the  Society  they 
applied  to  the  Collector  of  the  Port  for  the  Revenue 
Cutter  to  take  them  to  the  Ledge  which  request  was 
readily  granted  with  the  assurance  that  he  —  the  Collec- 
tor—  would  cooperate  with  the  Society  in  any  measure 
to  effect  an  object  of  so  great  importance  to  the  Naviga- 
tion of  Boston. 

"Two  of  the  Committee  Capts  Danl  C.  Bacon  and 
Samuel  Qiiincy  being  absent  from  the  city,  their  places 
were  supplied  by  Capt.  Caleb  Curtis  &  Wm.  K.  Well- 
man  Depty  Collector — both  members  of  the  Society. — 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.         143 

Several  other  members  of  the  Society  accompanied  the 
Committee. 

"On  the  19th  Augst  the  Committee  proceeded  to  the 
Ledge  in  the  Revenue  Cutter,  the  weather  was  fine,  sea 
perfectly  smooth,  the  tide  ebbing  oft"  very  low,  which 
gave  the  Committee  an  opportunity  of  giving  the  Ledge 
a  thorousfh  examination.  Minots  Ledg^e  consists  of  two 
rocks  Ivino^  about  E.  N.  E.  &  W.  S.  W.  from  each 
other,  onlv  four  hundred  feet  apart,  fifteen  feet  of  v^'ater 
between  them  at  low  water.  The  Committee  landed  on 
and  examined  both  rocks.  The  outer  rock  presents  a 
very  broken  surface,  ^vith  deep  crevices  extending  down 
below  the  line  of  low  water,  and  only  twenty  seven  feet 
surface  above  water  one  way.  The  Western  or  inner 
rock  presents  a  solid  unbroken  surface  of  more  than  forty 
feet  diameter,  the  centre  of  the  rock  is  four  feet  above 
low  Avater  mark  and  when  a  diameter  of  thirty  feet,  the 
probable  diameter  of  the  Light  house  is  brought  to  a 
level  surface,  it  will  be  two  feet  above  the  line  of  low 
water  mark.  On  this  Rock  the  Committee  decided 
at  once  the  Light-house  ought  to  be  built.  On  the 
Western  or  inshore  side  a  vessel  can  lay  alongside  of  the 
rock  drav^^ing  nine  feet  v^^ater. 

"In  the  'Opinion  of  the  Committee,  there  can  no 
longer  be  a  question  of  the  practicability  of  erecting  a 
permanent  Light  house  on  this  rock.  It  lays  only  two 
miles  from  the  Glades  w^here  the  best  of  Granite  Stones 
can  easily  be  obtained. 

"The  great  importance  of  a  Light  House  on  this 
Rock  is  too  well  known  to  require  a  comment  in  the 
Report." 

Signed  by  the  Committee. 


144        Record  is  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society. 

After  readino-  the  various  reports  and  statements 
relating  to  this  light-house,  one  feels  naturally  tempted 
to  enquire,  what  might  have  been  the  result  had  half 
the  energy  and  persistence  manifested  here,  been  dis- 
played in  the  needed  light-ship  on  Stellwagen  Bank. 

"The  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  at  a 
Qiiarterly  Meeting  held  on  4th  May  last,  to  procure  a 
suitable  room  for  the  safe  keeping  of  the  Curiosities 
&c  of  the  Society  was  read,"  accepted  and  placed  on  file. 

"A  motion  was  made  by  Winslow.  Lewis  that  a 
Committee  be  raised  to  consider  and  report  at  a  subse- 
quent meeting,  wdiat  measure  the  Society  w4ll  take  to 
celebrate  a  Centennial  Anniversary  at  the  meeting  in 
November,  1S43,  and  that  the  Government  of  the 
Society  with  the  Committee  on  accounts  be  that  Com- 
mittee, also  that  B.  T.  Reecl,  Wm.  Sturgis  &  Thos  B. 
Curtis  be  added  to  the  Committee." 

"A  communication  from  Mr.  W.  S.  Chittenden 
of  New^  York  to  the  Secretary  respecting  fog  bells  &c. 
was  read  and  voted  to  refer  the  same  to  Mr.  Wm.  A. 
Wellman  for  an  answ^er  and  report  at  the  next  Qiiarterly 
Meeting." 

A  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Societ}'  was  held  at  the 
Exchange  Coftee  House,  ist  February,  1843.  "The 
Committee  appointed  at  the  last  annual  meeting  to  see 
wdiat  measures  the  Society  \s^ould  adopt  in  respect  to  a 
Centennial  Celebration  in  1S43,  made  the  following 
Report,  viz.  That  they  have  examined  the  records  of  the 
Society  and  can  find  no  date  previous  to  June  9th,  1742 
O.  S.  The  name  of  Wm.  Starkev  who  appears  to  have 
been  one  of  the  first  founders  of  this  Society  is  No.  i 
in  the   Catalogue   and    his   Certificate  as   Member   was 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.         145 

of  this  date.  Your  Committee  recommend  Monday 
30th  June  next  for  the  Centennial  Anniversary  of  this 
Society." 

"As  to  the  most  appropriate  manner  of  celebrating 
this  anniversary,  your  Committee  recommend  that  the 
members  of  the  Society  be  requested  to  ineet  on  that 
day  at  such  time  &  place  as  may  be  designated,  that  a 
dinner  be  provided  to  be  paid  for  by  the  Members. 
That  some  member  of  the  Society  be  requested  to 
deliver  an  address  on  the  occasion,  that  each  niQiiiber  be 
charged  $3.50  for  his  ticket  to  the  dinner  and  the 
number  of  invited  guests  shall  not  exceed  fifteen,  any 
amount  subscribed  for  the  expenses  of  the  occasion 
exceeding  the  expenses  of  the  day  to  be  given  to  the 
funds  of  the  Society. 

"That  a  Committee  be  appointed  at  the  next  quarterly 
meeting,  to  nominate  a  Committee  to  carry  into  effect 
the  above  and  make  such  arrangements  as  they  inay 
think  best." 

The  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Capts.  John 
Doak,  Caleb  Curtis,  and  Jairus  B.  Lincoln,  were  made 
a  "Committee  to  nominate  a  Committee  of  fifteen,  to 
carry  into  effect  the  measures  recommended  in  the 
report." 

"The  Committee  retired  &  subsequently  reported  the 
names  of  the  following  Gentlemen  to  constitute  that 
Committee."  Wm.  Sturgis,  Daniel  C.  Bacon,  Benj. 
Rich,  Richard  Soule,  Robert  B.  Storer,  Josiah  Bradlee, 
Thomas  B.  Curtis,  Willis  Howes,  Robert  B.  Forbes, 
Joseph  Hart,  Thomas  Lamb,  Thomas  C.  Smith,  Henry 
Oxnard,  George  Hallet,  Samuel  Qriincy.  The  President 
and    Capt.    Josiah    Sturgis    were    then    added.     It   was 


146        Records  of  the  Boston   Marine   Society. 

voted  •'  that  the  Committee  have  power  to  fix  the  day  for 
the  celebration,  to  fill  vacancies  and  to  add  to  their 
number  if  they  see  fit." 

At  a  trustee  meeting  at  the  Neptune  Insurance  Ofiice, 
5th  April,  1843,  "A  Communication  Avas  read  from 
Mr.  Thos  J.  Allen,  President  of  the  Mercantile  Library 
Association,  respecting  the  Marine  Society's  Museum  — 
\vhich  is  on  file — and  it  was  voted  the  same  be  submitted 
to  a  Committee  and  that  Thos  C.  Smith  be  that  Com- 
mittee."* 

At  a  special  meeting  of  trustees,  8th  April,  1842,  the 
following  letter  from  vStephen  Pleasanton,  Esq.,  -fifth 
auditor  and  acting  commissioner  of  the  revenue,  to 
Capt.  Winslow  Lewis,  was  read. 

Treasury  Department, 
5th  Auditor's  Ofiice,  3ist  March,  1843. 

Sir:  —  I  send  you  enclosed  a  copy  of  a  letter  from 
Mr.  I.  W.  P.  Lewis  to  the  Hon.  jMr.  Winthrop,  with 
numerous  complaints  against  the  management  of  the 
Light  House  establishment,  and  the  project  of  a  law  for 
transferring  it  to  the  TojDographical  Bureau. 

It  seems  he  has  come  here  in  aid  of  the  Blunts  to 
misrepresent  matters  to  Members  of  Congress  with  the 
view"  to  make  some  changes  in  the  management  of  our 
Light  Houses  by  which  he  may  be  employed  ;  it  being 
impossible  for  me,  as  he  had  no  capital,  to  employ  him 
in  any  considerable  work. 

I  wish  you  to  lay  his  representations  before  the 
Marine  Society  and  ask  it  how  far  they  consider  Mr. 
Lewis's  representations  correct  or  otherwise,  and  to 
favor  me  with  their  opinion  as  to  whether  there  be  too 


Recoi'ds  of  the  Boston  Marine   Society.         147 

many  lights  or  not  on  the  Eastern  Coast,  and  as  to  the 
condition  and  management  of  the  establishment,  as  far 
as  they  are  acquainted  Avith  it." 

A  copy  of  Mr.  I.  W.  P.  Lewis'  letter  was  also  read, 
and  the  matter  referred  to  a  Committee. 

At  the  quarterly  meeting,  held  at  the  Exchange  Coffee 
House,  3d  May,  1843,  "  The  Committee  appointed  at 
the  last  quarterly  meeting  to  make  arrangements  for  the 
Centennial  Anniversary  Report.  That  they  recommend 
the  17th  June  next  for  the  Centennial  Anniversary  of 
this  Society.  They  also  recommend  that  a  public 
address  before  the  Society  as  proposed  at  the  last  quar- 
terl}-  meeting  be  dispensed  w^ith.  They  also  recommend 
that  a  Committee  of  Five  be  appointed  by  the  Societv 
to  provide  a  dinner  &  make  such  arrangements  as  they 
may  think  best." 

This  was  accepted,  and  Thomas  B.  Curtis,  Daniel  C. 
Bacon,  John  S.  Sleeper,  John  L.  Dimmock,  and  Josiah 
Sturgis  were  appointed  the  Committee.  Subsequently 
the  President  and  Secretary  were  added. 

This  was  the  last  quarterly  meeting  before  the  Centen- 
nial celebration,  and  here  the  present  writer,  having 
followed  the  Society  by  its  records  through  the  first 
century  of  its  existence,  proposes  to  stop,  leaving  the 
compilation  of  the  present  century's  chronicles  to 
younger  and  abler  hands. 

In  selecting  items,  the  effort  has  been,  without  being 
too  voluminous,  to  give  such  as  might  seem  of  greatest 
interest.  Any  two  or  more  persons  would,  of  course, 
differ  as  to  what  items  might  best  cover  the  intended 
ground,  but  the  compiler  has  acted  according  to  the 
light  given  him. 


14S        Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

The  extracts  show  conclusively  the  great  usefulness  of 
the  Society,  the  extent  and  variety  of  its  labors,  the 
earnestness,  zeal,  integrity,  and  fearlessness  that  have 
characterized  it,  so  far  as  we  have  noted  its  career. 
Almost  exclusive  control  of  the  pilotage  of  Boston,  the 
care  of  its  harbor,  supervision  of  the  light-houses  of 
Massachusetts,  a  general  guarding  and  oversight  of  all 
matters  relating  to  the  commerce  of  the  country,  words 
of  caution  or  advice  for  the  State  or  Federal  authorities, 
w4ien  needed,  with  a  deep  interest  in  the  mariner,  of 
whatever  grade  or  condition,  are  noticeable  throughout. 

And  it  is  pleasant  to  observe  the  liberality  in  finan- 
cial matters,  shown  in  all  cases  where  improvements  or 
benefits  to  navigation  were  to  be  wrought.  Something 
was  required,  looking  towards  prospective  commer- 
cial advantages.  Attendant  upon  it,  an  expenditure 
of  money  w^as  called  for.  In  no  case,  however  depleted 
the  treasury,  was  it  withheld,  and  the  result  seems  to 
verify  the  Scriptural  injunction  and  promise,  "cast  thy 
bread  upon  the  waters,  and  thou  shalt  find  it  after  many 
days." 

The  charities  of  the  Society  have  been  of  inestimable 
benefit.  ■  No  utterance  can  speak,  no  hand  portray,  the 
wants  that  have  been  relieved,  the  cares  that  have  been 
assuaged,  the  wounded  spirits  that  have  been  solaced, 
the  crushed  reeds  that  have  been  raised,  by  its  timely  aid 
and  succor,  its  beneficent  bounty.  The  good  it  has 
accomplished,  the  generosity  it  has  practiced,  stand 
better  told  by  its  achieved  works  and  by  grateful  hearts, 
than  by  unskilled  pen  of  scribe  —  "or  pharisee." 

That,  notwithstanding  the  vast  and  rapid  changes  in 
our  mercantile  marine,   the  Society  may  long  continue 


Records  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society.         149 

its  usefulness  and  its  charities,  may  find  in  the  retrospect- 
ive Yie^v  we  have  taken,  new  incentives  to  duty  and 
increased  stimukis  to  action,  will  be  —  it  is  to  be  hoped 
—  the  aspiration  of  each  and  all,  who  read  these  glean- 
ings from  an  honored  past. 

The  museum,  so  often  referred  to,  was  given  by  the 
Society's  vote  to  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History, 
in  January,  1862.  We  extract  the  following  from  a 
letter  of  the  President  of  that  Society,  in  acknowledg- 
ment of  the  gift. 

"Resolved,  that  the  thanks  of  the  Boston  Society  of 
Natural  History  be  given  to  the  Boston  Marine  Society, 
for  the  very  valuable  collection  of  birds  and  other  objects 
of  Natural  History,  articles  of  East  Indian  Manufacture 
&c,  presented  15th  Jany  1863. 

"Resolved,  that  the  members  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Societ}^  be  invited  to  visit  the  rooms  of  the  Boston 
Society  of  Natural  History,  in  the  present  or  new  build- 
ing, whenever  it  may  suit  their  convenience." 

Thus  ends  the  story  of  the  museum,  w^hich  had  caused 
so  much  solicitude,  thought,  and  discussion.  One  can 
but  regret  that  the  Society  had  not  found  a  proper 
resting  place  for  it,  retained  it  in  their  charge,  and  added 
to  it. 

The  matter  of  a  library  is  still  in  abeyance.  The 
Society  has  a  small  number  of  books,  that  may  be  added 
to  by  the  members,  collectively  or  individually,  or  by 
others,  and  it  is  to  be  wished  and  hoped  that  speedy 
action  be  taken  towards  making  it  w^orthy  of  so  old  and 
respected  an  institution.  A  well-selected  and  arranged 
library,  with  maps  and  charts  adapted  to  the  ^^^ants  and 
tastes  of  those  wdiose  lives  have  been  mainly  "  on  the 


150        Recoj'ds  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society. 

mountain  wave,  their  honaes  upon  the  deep,"  would  be 
an  attraction,  a  rest,  and  a  reward. 

It  is  thought  a  not  unbecoming  end  to  the  century's 
abstracts,  will  be  found  in  the  republished  account  of 
the  Centennial  celebration,  which  is  therefore  added, 
with  a  list  of  the  present  surviving  members  of  that 
day. 


Centennial    Celebration, 

June   17,   1842. 


Centennial    Celebration. 


It  having  been  determined  at  tiie  annual  meeting 
of  the  Boston  Marine  Society  in  November,  1841,  to 
celebrate  the  Centennial  Anniversary  in  an  appropriate 
manner,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  examine  the 
records,  and  fix  a  time  for  the  celebration.  The  com- 
mittee subsequently  reported,  that  so  far  as  could  be 
gathered  from  the  records  of  the  Society,  this  institution 
commenced  its  existence  in  June,  1742,  and  recom- 
mended that  the  Seventeenth  of  June,  1842,  be 
appointed  for  the  Centennial  Celebration. 

The  suggestion  was  adopted  by  the  Society  at  the 
next  regular  meeting  in  February,  1842,  and  the  follow- 
ing gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Committee  of  Arrange- 
inents,  for  carrying  into  effect  the  wishes  of  the  Society, 
namely,  Israel  Whitney,  Thomas  B.  Curtis,  Daniel 
C.  Bacon,  Thomas  C.  Smith,  John  L.  Dimmock, 
JosiAH  Sturgis,  and  Robert  B.  Edes.  The  com- 
mittee faithfully  performed  the  duties  assigned  to  them, 
and  made  the  necessary  arrangements  for  celebrating 
the  day,  by  a  meeting  of  the  ixiembers,  and  a  public 
dinner  at  the  Maverick  House  at  East  Boston. 

The  hall  was  elegantly  decorated  for  the  occasion. 
Flags  of  different  nations  hung  in  festoons  around  the 
walls,  and  at  the  east  end,  over  the  orchestra,  was 
suspended  the  Old  Continental  Flag,  under  whose 


154  Ce)tteunlal   Celebration. 

folds  our  brave  forefathers  fought  and  conquered.  This 
relic  of  by-gone  days  attracted  the  attention  of  all ;  and 
what  rendered  it  peculiarly  interesting,  was  the  fact 
that  it  was  once  the  property  of  the  British  admiral, 
Sir  Isaac  Coffin,  a  native  of  Nantucket,  and  an 
honorary  member  of  this  Society ;  and  presented  by 
him  to  Captain  Josiaii  Sturgis,  commander  of  the 
revenue  cutter  Hamilton. 

The  tables  wxre  neatly  arranged.  They  extended  the 
whole  length  of  the  hall,  with  a  cross  table  at  the  head, 
on  the  centre  of  which,  was  a  large  and  elegant  por- 
celain BOW^L,  originally  designed  for  the  reception 
oi  punch .^  but  which  was  filled,  on  this  happy  occasion, 
with  delicious  iced  lemonade.  This  bowl  was  presented 
to  the  Society,  a  number  of  years  ago,  by  Captain 
James  Magee. 

In  the  centre  of  two  of  the  tables,  were  placed  two 
objects,  which  attracted  much  attention,  namely,  two 
large  pitchers .,  belonging  to  the  Society  —  upon  one 
side  of  each  is  inscribed  "The  Boston  Marine 
Society  ; "  on  the  other  is  a  portrait  of  Washington, 
"The  Father  of  his  Country,"  with  the  inscription 
"a  man,  without  example  —  a  patriot,  ivithoiit 
reproach  J^  There  is  an  interesting  fact  connected  with 
these  relics,  which  it  may  not  be  improper  to  mention. 
At  the  time  that  the  "Old  Exchange  Cotiee  House" 
was  burnt,  these  pitchers,  w^hich  were  there  deposited, 
w^ere  removed  to  a  neighboring  dwelling-house,  where 
they  remained,  unknown  to  any  member  of  the  Society, 
until  the  erection  of  the  present  Exchange  Coffee  House, 
when  they  were  deposited  in  one  of  the  upper  rooms, 
where  they  were  recently  discovered  by  accident. 


Cen  ten  n  I'a  I   Celeb  ration.  155 

At  the  head  of  the  centre  table,  was  placed  a  beautiful 
miniature  ship,  full  rigged,  emblematical  of  the  objects 
and  character  of  the  Society.  Elegant  flowers  and 
evergreens  were  tastefully  displayed  in  different  parts 
of  the  hall.  Indeed  nothing  was  wanting,  wdiich  taste 
and  propriety  could  dictate,  to  contribute  to  the  gratifi- 
cation of  those  who  participated  in  the  festivities  of  the 
day. 

The  company,  consisting  of  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty  members  of  the  Society,  and  invited  guests, 
entered  the  dining  hall  at  half  past  three  o'clock ;  the 
band  of  instrumental  music,  belonging  to  the  U.  S.  ship 
Ohio,  which  had  been  kindly  volunteered  for  the 
occasion,  meanwhile  playing  a  lively  air.  Israel 
Whitney,  Esq.,  the  President  of  the  Society,  presided 
at  the  tables,  assisted  by  Thomas  C.  Smith  and 
Thomas  B.  Curtis,  Esquires,  as  Vice-Presidents.  On 
the  right  of  the  President  were  seated  Commodore  John 
B.  Nicholson,  of  the  U.  S.  Navy,  Lieut.  Col.  William 
H.  Freeman,  of  the  U.  S.  Marine  Corps,  Franklin 
Dexter,  Esq.,  U.  S.  District  Attorney,  and  Captain 
Eben  Johnson,  President  of  the  Newburyport  Marine 
Society.  On  the  left  of  the  President  were  seated 
Hon.  Levi  Lincoln,  collector  of  the  customs  for  this 
district.  Rev.  Edward  T.  Taylor,  pastor  of  the 
Seamen's  Bethel  in  North  Square,  Rev.  Alexander 
Young,  pastor  of  the  church  on  Church  Green,  and 
JosiAH  QuiNCY,  Jun.,  President  of  the  Senate  of  Mas- 
saciiusetts.  K  blessing  was  asked  by  Rev.  Mr.  Taylor, 
in  his  peculiarly  fervent  and  impressive  manner,  and 
the  company  proceeded  to  do  full  justice  to  the  good 
things  w^ith  which  the  tables  were  abundantly  provided. 


156  Centcfniial   CeIebratio7i. 

The    benediction    was    pronounced    by    Rev.    Alex- 
ander   Young,    and    when    the    cloth    was   removed, 
Captain  Israel  Whitney,  the  President  of  the  Society 
arose,    and    addressed    the    company    in    the    following 
language : 

Gentlemen  :  The  official  position  I  have  the  honor 
to  occupy  in  the  Boston  Marine  Society,  does,  I  am  told, 
make  it  incumbent  on  me  to  say  something  in  the  way 
of  ""  breaking  bulk"  on  this  joyous,  this  interesting  occa- 
sion. Fortunately  for  you,  gentlemen,  your  President 
cannot,  if  he  has  the  inclination,  inflict  a  speech  on  you, 
and  will  be  compelled  to  leave  to  others,  wdio  can  talk 

—  and  I  see  many  about  me  w4io  can^  and  talk  well  too 

—  the  gratification  of  giving  some  account  of  the  early 
formation,  objects  and  progress  of  the  Institution,  v^diose 
Centennial  Anniversar}'  we  are  now  assembled  together 
to    commemorate. 

At  our  periodical  business  meetings,  we  have  often 
had  the  pleasure  of  exchanging  friendly  greetings,  but 
never  before  have  w^e  met  publicly  for  that  express 
purpose.  But,  gentlemen,  we  have  never  be.fore  been 
one  hundred  years  old  ;  and  surely  we  may  congratulate 
each  other,  that  although  our  keel  was  laid  so  long  ago, 
we  still  remain  tight,  and  staunch,  and  strong,  and  have 
a  "  shot  left  in  the  locker,"  for  a  distressed  shipmate  and 
his  family,  whenever  they  may  need  a  helping  hand. 

It  is  indeed  most  orratifving-  that  this,  the  "  first  call  to 
quarters,"  has  been  promptly  responded  to  by  so  man}' 
of  our  "  web-footed"  brethren,  as  well  as  by  the  honor- 
ary members,  whom  we  are  happy  to  hail  as  shipmates, 
and  without  whose  aid  the  charities  of  our  Society  must 
have  been  very  mucli  circumscribed.      I  am  sure  I  am 


Centennial   Celebration.  157 

expressing  the  feelings  of  one  and  all,  when  I  bid  a 
hearty  welcome  to  those  friends,  who  have  done  us  the 
honor  of  uniting  with  us  in  the  festivities  of  this  day ; 
and  if,  in  the  course  of  our  congratulations  wdth  each 
other,  a  little  of  the  fride  of  sittLation.  a  little  of  the 
feeling  of  s7iferiority  on  account  of  the  high  privileges 
Ave  enjoy,  as  belonging  to  the  Boston  Marine  Society, — 
if  any  of  this  feeling  should  happen  to  show  itself,  I  hope 
our  friends  will  pardon  us,  and  we  will  try  to  bear  in 
mind,  that  as  eve7"ybody  cannot  be  a  member,  it  is 
rather  their  misfortune  than  an}^  thing  else. 

Seriously,  gentlemen,  \ve  ought  to  be  proud,  we  are 
proud,  of  having  oiu*  names  associated  \\dth  the  ^^orthies 
w^ho  are  enrolled  on  our  records  —  with  the  little  band 
who  composed  the  crew  of  our  good  ship  when  she  first 
put  to  sea,  a  century  ago,  under  a  Royal  register  from 
King  George  II.  of  England.  Somehow  or  other  w^e 
have  taken  out  a  ne\v  register  since,  and  adopted  another 
ilag.  For  the  reasons  of  this  strange  proceeding,  I  beg 
to  refer  you  to  the  Bunker  Hill  Legislature^  which,  by 
a  strange  coincidence,  happens  to  be  in  session  this  very 
day.  But  although  we  now  sail  under  the  Stars  and 
Stripes,  instead  of  the  Red  Cross  of  old  England,  the 
objects  of  our  voyage  remain  the  same  —  benevolence, 

USEFULNESS,      AND      THE      INTERESTS     OF      SEAMEN     AND 

NAVIGATION,  GENERALLY.  Long,  long  may  we  continue 
to  be  an  Association  for  these  purposes  ! 

But  I  must  not  forget,  gentlemen,  that  at  the  outset  I 
was  only  to  "knock  oft^  the  battens,"  and  "open  the 
hatches."  I  will  therefore  only  detain  you  long  enough 
to  express  the  hope,  that  when  this  Society  assembles  to 
celebrate  its  Two  Hundredth  Anniversary,  the  members 


1 1^8  Ccjitciuiial   CeIcbratio7t. 

who  may  then  be  present,  may  have  as  good  reason  for 
being  proud  of  their  predecessors,  as  we  now  are  of 
fining  the  places  of  those  who  have  gone  before  us  on 
the  voyage  to  "the  undiscovered  country."  With  us, 
their  memories  can  never  die. 

I  will  now,  with  your  permission,  gentlemen,  read 
the  first  regular  toast,  prepared  by  the  Committee  of 
Arrangements  : 

1.  The  Day — Fraught  with  pleasing  recollections  of  the  past 
—  may  the  termination  of  the  next  hundred  years  find  our  Asso- 
ciation in  full  vigor,  dispensing  charity  to  the  needy. 

This  sentiment  was  received  ^vith  acclamation.  The 
President  then  gave  as  a  volunteer : 

The  Ftcnds  of  the  Society  —  May  they  be  as  judiciously  dis- 
pensed, as  they  are  carefully  and  honorably  guarded. 

This  sentiment  w^as  responded  to  by  Thomas  Lamb, 
Esq.,  the  Treasurer  of  the  Society,  who  in  the  following 
neat  and  appropriate  remarks,  gave  some  interesting 
facts  connected  with  the  Institution,  and  described  the 
usefulness  by  which  it  has  hitherto  been  characterized  : 

Mr.  President  :  I  will  reply  to  your  call,  with  the 
best  of  my  ability,  in  this  mode  of  explaining,  so 
entirely  new  to  me. 

This  company  was  incorporated  in  the  year  i754i  by 
an  Act  of  Governor  Shirley  under  his  British  Majesty's 
government  of  the  Massachusetts  Ba}''  in  New  England, 
and  was  denominated  the  "Marine  Society  at  Boston  in 
New  England."  It  was  instituted  twelve  years  previously 
(in  1742)  by  a  nimiber  of  persons  who  were  or  had 
been  masters  of  ships,  and  whose  principal  object  was 
to  improve  their  knowledge  of  this  coast  by  communi- 
cating to  each  other  all  things  remarkable  to  them   in 


Centennial   Celebration.  159 

their  navigation  ;    and  another  important  object  was  that 
of  reheving  one  another  and  their  famiUes  in  poverty,  or 
under  other  adverse  accidents  in  Hfe.      At  that   period 
the  knowledge  of  our  coast,  surrounded  as  it  is  with  so 
inanv  dangers  from  its  rocks  and  sand  banks  and  varia- 
ble weather,  especially  in  the  winter  months,  was  igno- 
rance compared  with  our  present  knowledge  from  charts 
so  perfect  that  every  dangerous  rock  is  laid  down,  and 
buoys  placed  on  every  dangerous  sand  bank — with  light- 
houses on  every  prominent  headland  to  guide  even  the 
strangfer  to  a  safe  harbor.      Then  it  was  that  the  founders 
of  this  Society  laid  its  foundation,  and  they  continued  it, 
with    great   benefit   to   themselves  and   the  community, 
under  the  Governor  Shirley  charter,  until  the  year  1809, 
when  an  additional  Act  of  Incorporation  was  granted  to 
it  by  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts,  under  the  title  of 
the  "  Boston  Marine  Society."     At  this  period,  the  funds 
of  the  Society  amounted  to  about  eight  thousand  dollars, 
and  its  yearly  grants  to  about  seven  hundred  dollars, —  a 
sum  not  so  great  that  the  increasing  wants  did  not  ask 
for  more.     We  all  know,  Mr.  President,  that  but  few  of 
our  ship-masters  receive  so  large  compensation  for  their 
services  as  to  allow  of  their  accumulating  property,  or 
to  leave  much  to  their  families,  should  they  be  suddenly 
taken  from  them.     Perhaps  there  is  no  department  of  so 
much  trust,  responsibility,  and  danger,  that  is  so  poorly 
paid  ;  but  at  the  same  time  I  would  not  be  understood  as 
saying  that  the  ship-masters  from  this  country  are  not  as 
well   paid   as  ship-masters  from  any  other   part  of   the 
world  ;    I  believe  they  are  better  paid.     The  reason  can 
only  be  found  in  the  fact  that  so  many  find   it  an  agree- 
able employment,   that   competition    among    themselves 


i6o  Centeimial   Celebration. 

allows  of  the  cause.  And  added  to  that,  is  the  example 
and  competition  of  other  nations  in  the  carrying  trade  ; 
for  our  ships  must  compete  ^vith  other  nations  all  the 
world  over.  Under  these  circumstances,  the  Boston 
Marine  Society  at  this  period  (1S09)  allowed  one  .half  of 
its  members  at  any  time  to  consist  of  persons  of  other 
professions  than  the  sea.  And  those  land  members 
were  to  pay  fifteen  dollars  each  for  life-membership,  and' 
not  to  be  benefited  from  the  charity  fund  of  the  Society. 
Besides  these  objects,  this  Society — composed  as  it  is 
of  our  most  active  ship-masters  and  practical  merchants  ; 
gentlemen  who  are  supposed  to  have,  and  who  do  have, 
the  best,  knowledge  of  all  the  prominent  objects  con- 
nected w^ith  the  navigation  of  our  coast,  bay,  and  harbor 
—  is  referred  to  for  general  advice  as  to  our  light-houses, 
buoys  and  other  matters  connected  therewith.  So 
important  have  the  reports  of  this  Society  been  to  our 
national,  state  and  city  governments,  that  hardly  any 
object  in  connection  with  them  is  attempted  \vithout 
obtaining  its  approval.  It  has  committees  of  its  mem- 
bers for  various  objects.  One  is  a  Committee  of  Observa- 
tion; a  committee,  Mr.  President,  \vhich  I  hope  Ave  shall 
hear  from,  for  they  wxre  a  committee  not  only  to  receive 
observations  but  to  make  them.  Their  duty  embraces 
that  of  receiving  such  particular  information  as  may 
tend  to  promote  naval  know^ledge  ;  and  all  the  members 
of  the  Society  in  active  service  are  enjoined  to  commu- 
nicate to  them  all  interesting  facts  within  their  observa- 
tion or  experience.  Another  is  a  committee  constituted 
by  our  Legislature,  the  Commissioners  of  Pilots,  whose 
duty  it  is  to  superintend  the  whole  pilot  system  of  this 
port ;    and  that  duty,  important  as  it  is,  has  been  most 


Centennial   Celeb7'ation.  i6i 

ably  complied  with,  since  its  establishment,  as  all  our 
government  and  merchant  ships  can  well  testify,  from 
the  efficient  pilots  they  find  always  ready  at  their  call. 

The  Society's  funds  have  gradually  increased  since  its 
commencement,  and  now  its  funded  property  amounts 
to  oyer  thirty  thousand  dollars.  The  income  from  this 
fund  is  quarter  yearly  distributed  to  all  the  deserving 
applicants  within  its  regulations.  I  believe  I  can  say 
there  has  never  been  a  refusal  to  aid  a  deserving  object, 
and  many  of  these  beneficiaries  are  entirely  supported 
by  the  aid  they  receive  from  it.  The  yearty  collections 
and  donations  that  it  from  time  to  time  has  received, 
have  greatly  aided  the  increase  of  this  fund.  The  past 
ten  years  show  an  increase  of  about  eiofht  thousand 
dollars  to  it.  One  thousand  dollars  of  this  amount  came 
from  that  benefactor  to  this  and  many  other  worthy 
societies,  the  late  Theodore  Lyman,  Esq.  Other  sums 
of  less  magnitude  have  been  received  from  other  indi- 
viduals. 

I  am  aware,  Mr.  President,  that  I  have  given  a  very 
imperfect  view  of  this  Society — but  I  know  that  we 
have  gentlemen  older  and  abler  than  myself,  who  can 
and  no  doubt  will  make  up  fully  for  my  deficiency. 

With  your  permission,  Mr.  President,  I  w^ill  ofier  as 
a  sentiment : 

The  Shipmaster  —  A  most  important  actor  in  the  commerce, 
social  intercourse,  and  improvement  of  the  world. 

The  President  then  gave  the  following  regular  senti- 
ments : 

2.  The  President  of  the  United  States. 

3.  The  Governor  of  this  Commonwealth. 


i63  Centennial  Celebration. 

The  President  read  a  letter  from  his  Excellency  the 
Governor,  regretting  his  inability  to  be  present  on  the 
occasion. 

4.  The  Navy  —  The  strong  arm  of  our  defence,  made  weak 
by  parsimonious  legislation. 

Commodore  John  B.  Nicholson  returned  his  thanks 
for  the  kind  manner  in  which  the  Navy  had  been  alluded 
to.  He  stated  that  the  interests  of  the  merchant,  the 
ship-master,  and  the  officers  of  the  Navy  vs^ere  identical. 

The  follo\ving  regular  toasts  were  then  given  : 

5.  The  Good  Ship  United  States  —  May  no  one  ever  have 
command  of  the  quarter-deck  unless  he  is  conversant  with  the 
chart  of  public  opinion,  and  knows  how  to  steer  clear  of  the 
shoals  of  opposition. 

6.  The  old  ship  Massachusetts --^h.^  has  been  overhauled 
and  pronounced  perfectly'  sea-worthj  — rnaj  her  officers  do  their 
duty  with  a  single  eve  to  the  public  good. 

Hon.  Josiah  Quincy,  Jr.,  president  of  the  Senate 
of  Massachusetts,  responded  to  the  last  sentiment. 

He  remarked  that  it  had  been  his  good  fortune  to  be 
seated  next  to  the  oldest  member  of  the  Society,  present 
on  the  occasion, — to  a  gentleman  \\diose  name  for  more 
than  fifty  years  —  for  more  than  half  the  time  that  had 
elapsed  since  the  organization  of  the  Society,  had  been 
borne  on  its  rolls.  That  this,  however,  was  not  the 
only  association  that  connected  his  venerable  friend  with 
the  day  ;  that  both  before  and  after  the  battle  of  Bunker's 
Hill,  he  had  been  a  soldier  in  the  army  of  the  Revolution, 
and  by  being  accidentally  absent  on  leave,  escaped  an 
honorable  death,  to  lead,  what  was  far  better,  a  useful 
and  honorable  life.  Under  these  circumstances,  there- 
fore, he  trusted  that  in  replying  to  a  toast  relating  to  the 


Centennial   Celebration.  163 

former    honor,    and  the    present  situation    of   the   State 
of  Massachusetts,  he  might  be  permitted  to  give, 

The  Warriors  of  our  native  Country  —  Those  who  have 
defended  her  upon  the  land  —  those  who  have  fought  for  her 
on  the  ocean  —  the  memory  of  the  many  who  have  departed  — 
the  health  of  the  few  that  remain. 

Stephen  Codman,  Esq.,  the  gentleman  to  whom 
Mr.  Qiiincy  had  alluded,  seemed  much  affected  by  the 
remarks  ;  insomuch  that,  on  rising  to  reply,  he  could 
hardly  give  utterance  to  his  feelings. 

Mr.  Qiiincy  again  rose,  and  said,  that  perhaps  he 
owed  his  venerable  friend  an  apology  for  having  called 
him  out  quite  so  unceremoniously ;  but  if  he  had  in  any 
degree  shocked  his  modesty  by  being  too  complimentary, 
he  would  endeavor  to  atone  for  it,  by  alluding  to  the 
verse  of  an  old  song,  which  the  gentleman  had  just 
repeated,  that  in  these  temperance  times  might  low^er 
him  in  the  opinion  of  some  of  the  hearers.  The  verse 
was  this  :  , 

"With  old  wine  and  old  friends  I  feel  no  decay, 
But  a  gentle  decline  as  life  passes  away." 

In  allusion  to  the  change  that  had  taken  place  in  the 
i*esults  of  conviviality  since  his  friend  was  first  admitted 
to  the  Society,  Mr.  Quincy  gave  : 

The  Temferance  Reform  —  May  the  time  soon  come,  when 
no  man  shall  get  half  seas  over,  unless,  with  the  sailor,  he  gets 
half  seas  over  upon  toater. 

The  President  then  gave  the  following  regular  senti- 
ment : 

7.  The  Laivs  of  oicr  Country  —  With  efficient  officers  to 
advocate  them,  it  will  require  a  dexter-ous  hand  to  evade  them. 


164  Centennial   Celebration. 

The  Hon.  Franklin  Dexter,  U.  S.  District  Attor- 
ney, rose  and  remarked  : 

I  feel  much  honored  in  being  permitted  at  this  inter- 
esting festival  to  represent  the  admiralty  courts  of  the 
district ;  and  I  regret  that  the  distinguished  judges 
of  those  courts  are  not  present  to  declare  for  themselves 
the  high  value  they  put  upon  the  good  influence  of  the 
Boston  Marine  Society.  Others,  better  than  I,  can  state 
the  particular  modes  in  which  that  influence  is  exerted  ; 
but  I  see  in  the  statutes  of  the  Commonwealth  that  your 
Society  is  intrusted  with  important  powers,  and  has  long 
enjoyed  the  confidence  of  the  Legislature,  and  I  hear 
your  good  report  in  the  inouths  of  all  honorable  men. 

Since  I  have  held  the  office  which  has  procured  me 
the  honor  of  your  invitation,  I  have  been  led  to  observe 
more  carefully  the  character  of  sea-faring  men  ;  and  I 
have  had  reason  to  believe,  that  while  as  a  class  they 
particularly  need,  they  are,  more  than  is  commonly 
supposed,  open  to  the  influence  of  good  advice  and 
example.  Other  societies  have  undertaken  the  care 
of  the  seamen  of  the  port,  with  most  benevolent  efforts  ; 
and  I  see  a  reverend  guest  near  you  to  whose  zeal  in 
their  service  too  much  praise  cannot  be  given. 

A  similar,  though  more  silent,  influence  is  exerted  by 
your  Society  over  the  ship-masters.  They  feel  the  value 
of  your  approbation,  and  their  admission  to  your  num- 
ber is  a  strong  certificate  of  merit  in  their  profession. 
With  these  views  of  the  usefulness  of  your  Institution, 
independently  of  its  liberal  charities,  I  offer  as  a  senti- 
ment : 

The  Boston  Marine  Society  —  Exercising  important  powers 
for    the    protection    of  commerce    and    navigation,    may    they 


Centennial   Celebration.  165 

continue   to   find  their  reward  in  the  gratitude  and  confidence 
of  the  community- 

The  next  regular  toast  was  as  follows  : 

8.  The  Merchants  of  Boston — High  as  they  deservedh' 
stand,  we  cannot  forget  that  good  sailors  have  obtained  to  the 
topmost  rank  amongst  them. 

Thomas  B.  Curtis,  Esq.,  replied  to  the  above  senti- 
ment in  the  following  language  : 

Mr.  President — I  little  expected  such  a  broadside 
from  your  gallant  frigate  in  taking  the  exposed  seat 
which  I  occupy,  and  which  was  to  have  been  filled  by 
one  of  the  worthiest  members  of  our  Society — one  who, 
I  w^ill  venture  to  say,  ^vherever  he  may  be,  is  doing  his 
duty.  Regretting  the  absence  of  our  valued  friend, 
permit  me  to  say,  that  when  it  was  proposed  to  com- 
memorate the  hundredth  year  of  our  corporate  existence, 
it  seemed  to  me  a  long  lapse  of  time  ;  but  when,  on 
comparing  dates,  I  found  that  I  had  myself  been  a 
member  a  quarter  part  of  that  period,  I  ceased  to 
consider  it  as  so  very  long  a  time.  Having  been  honored 
by  election  to  various  offices  of  trust  since  I  became  a 
member,  including  that  of  President,  I  cannot  but  feel 
a  deep  interest  in  all  that  conduces  to  the  -welfare  of  the 
Society,  and  its  members  individually ;  and  I  feel  an 
honest  pride  in  looking  back  to  the  days  when,  like 
many  whose  familiar  faces  surround  me,  I  v^as  an  active 
ship-master  ;  and.  Sir,  if  my  life  ^vas  now  to  be  recom- 
menced, I  should  be  most  happy  to  go  through  the  same 
course  which  led  me,  at  an  early  age,  to  the  rank  of  an 
old  ship-master. 

The  learned  law  officer,  who  so  gracefully  represents 
the  admiralty  court,  has  alluded  to  other  duties  pertaining 


1 66  Centennial   Celebration. 

to  this  Society  besides  those  of  a  benevolent  nature  — 
but  it  may  not  be  known  to  all,  that  the  trustees  have 
long  been  charged  with  the  care  and  supervision  of  the 
pilotage  of  the  port  —  formerly  an  arduous  and  thankless 
office,  but  now  rendered  an  easy  and  agreeable  duty, 
through  the  efficiency  and  esprit  dii  corps  of  the  pilots 
themselves  ;  who,  as  a  body,  I  am  free  to  say,  are  not 
surpassed  by  any.  These  duties  are  analogous  to  those 
of  the  *^ Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity,"  of  England  — 
and  now  that  we  are  a  century  old,  I  do  not  know  that 
the  same  title  should  be  withheld. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  see  so  many  of  our  members 
together  on  this  interesting  occasion  —  but  yet  it  is  not 
unmixed  with  pain  in  reflecting,  that  it  is  owing  to  the 
depressed  state  of  our  commerce  that  so  many  are  here  ; 
and,  in  that  respect,  I  hope  never  to  meet  so  numerous 
a  company  again  at  a  meeting  like  this.  Sir,  our  mem- 
bers are  not  a  Jiome-Xy  people  ;  their  business  is  abroad. 

It  onlv  remains  for  me  to  ofter  a  sentiment  which, 
if  not  personal,  is  of  national  character. 

The  Freedom  of  the  Seas  —  We  are  always  glad  to  receive  our 
neighbors  at  home,  but  we  must  decline  their  searching  visita- 
tions abroad. 

9.  The  Boston  Custom  House' — A  strong  link-on  the  grand 
chain  connecting  our  commercial  interests  with  those  of  the 
general  government. 

Upon  this  toast  being  drunk,  Hon.  Levi  Lixcoln, 
the  Collector  of  the  port,  rose,  and  in  allusion  to  the 
play  upon  his  name,  sportively  remarked,  that  the 
appeal  to  him  w^as  altogether  too  personal.,  to  permit 
him  to  remain  silent.  He  might  object  to  it,  also,  as 
ont   of   order.,    inasmuch    as    it    was  -in  violation  of  a 


Centennial   Celeb r at io7i.  167 

wholesome  parliamentary  law,  which  seemed  to  him 
quite  as  reasonable  in  its  application  to  a  public  festival, 
as  in  debate, — that  "no  gentleman  should  be  referred 
to  by  name."  If  the  intention  was,  that  he  should  make 
a  speech  in  reply,  he  might  well  complain  that  he  had 
been  most  sadly  taken  in,  on  the  occasion.  It  was  the 
last  thing  for  which,  at  this  time,  he  should  have  come 
prepared.  Why,  Mr.  President,  (said  Mr.  L.)  on  look- 
ing around  these  tables,  I  see  here  a  company  of  intelli- 
gent, practical  gentlemen,  with  not  a  single  Congress- 
7nan  among  them,  and  but  a  "sprinkling"  of  niembei's 
of  the  General  Court ;  and  I  might  vs^ell  have  hoped 
that  Jiere^  as  elsewhere^  they  would  prefer  to  do  their 
own  work,  and  ask  no  aid  from  others  to  the  entertain- 
ment. To  be  serious,  however,  he  would  most  gladly 
so  far  avail  himself  of  the  opportunity  now  afforded 
him,  as  to  return  his  most  cordial  thanks  for  the  honor 
done  him  by  the  Society,  in  permitting  him  to  partici- 
pate in  the  enjoyments  of  this  festival.  From  -what  he 
had  already  seen  and  heard,  it  was  an  occasion  full 
of  interest.  He  regretted  that  the  celebration  w^as  not 
more  formal  and  public,  and  that  the  opportunity  had 
not  been  improved  to  give  to  the  community  generally, 
some  account  of  the  Association,  of  its  many  good 
deeds  of  charity,  and  its  extensive  and  beneficent 
influence  upon  the  happiness  of  individuals  and  families, 
and  the  security  and  welfare  of  society.  So  modest 
and  unobtrusive,  indeed,  had  been  its  course,  that  few^, 
beyond  the  reach  of  its  bounties,  scarcely  knew^  of  its 
existence,  while  there  w^as  hardly  an  institution,  which 
could  be  named,  more  deserving  of  notice,  or  better 
entitled  to  public  favor. 


i68  Ce7iten7iial   Celebratio7i. 

Your  worthy  President  has  told  us,  that  this  is  an 
ancient  Society,  of  an  hundred  years'  existence  ;  that  it 
was  incorporated  in  ttie  reign  of  George  II.,  by  the 
authority  of  the  Provincial  Government  of  Massachusetts 
Bay.  Venerable  as  it  is  thus  made  by  age,  (said  Mr. 
L.)  I  have  this  moment  cast  my  eye  upon  a  paper  now 
laying  before  you,  Mr.  President,  which,  by  the  most 
touching  association,  gives  to  this  Institution,  in  my 
mind,  a  more  particular  and  far  deeper  interest. 
Although,  nearly  a  century  ago,  this  Society  took  the 
form  of  legal  organization  under  a  royal  charter^  yet 
the  document  to  which  I  refer,  in  the  year  1809,  now 
one  third  of  a  century  since,  gave  to  it  a  repiiblicaii 
7'eo7'ga7ilzation ^  under  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  the 
Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  and  to  this  act  I  see 
affixed  the  signature  of  my  own  father,  then  exercising 
the  chief  executive  office  of  state.  Hence,  although 
before  a  stranger  to  the  Society,  I  already  feel  now, 
as  it  were,  at  home,  an  associate,  and  in  fellowship  with 
you. 

The  date  of  the  origin  of  this  Institution  carries  the 
mind  back  to  the  infancy  of  the  country.  How  full  of 
thought  is  the  recurrence  to  this  early  period  in  its  his- 
tory !  The  centennial  celebrations  wdiich  have  been  held 
within  a  few  of  the  past  years,  have  done  much  to  gather 
fresh  fragrance  to  the  memory  of  our  venerated  ances- 
tors. As  to  the  origin  and  objects  of  this  Society,  "we 
have  but  another  illustration  of  their  pure  and  noble 
character.  A  few  sea-faring  men,  poor  but  enterpris- 
ing, engaged  in  an  employment  the  most  perilous  to 
fortune  and  to  life,  associate  together  for  purposes  at 
once  the  most  beneficial  to  the  pursuits  of  business,  and 


Centejuiial   Celebration.  169 

the  dearest  to  humanity.  In  the  impressive  language  of 
the  original  charter,  now  before  me,  I  read,  "  the  princi- 
pal ends  of  the  Society  are  to  improve  the  kno\vledge  of 
this  coast,  bv  their  several  members,  upon  their  arrival 
from  sea.  communicatino'  their  observations,  in^vard  and 
outward,  of  the  variation  of  the  needle,  the  soundings, 
courses,  and  distances,  and  all  other  remarkable  things 
about  it,  in  writing,  to  be  lodged  ^vith  the  Society,  for 
the  making  of  the  navigation  more  safe  ;  —  and  also,  to 
relieve  one  another,  and  their  families,  in  poverty,  or 
other  adverse  accidents  of  life,  which  they  are  more  par- 
ticularly liable  to  ; — and  have,  for  this  end,  raised  a  con- 
siderable common  stock,  out  of  which  they  have,  from 
time  to  time,  contributed  largely  for  the  aforesaid  pur- 
poses." How  enlightened  and  liberal,  and  to  a  great 
degree.  ho\v  personally  disinterested,  these  objects  !  Not 
for  themselves  alone,  nor  yet  for  their  families  onlv,  were 
these  results  of  nautical  observations  and  experience  to 
be  acquired,  but  the  recoi'ded  communications  were  to 
teach  to  others  a  knowledge  of  the  hazards  of  the  coast, 
and  to  be  the  safeguard  of  the  navigator,  for  all  future 
time.  It  is  to  this  early  attention  to  the  character  of  our 
iiigged  and  dangerous  shores,  with  the  never-ceasing 
watchfulness  of  this  Society,  at  all  times,  in  advising 
to  securities  and  facilities  to  their  approach,  that  we  are 
indebted,  rather  and  more  than  to  any  other  agency,  for 
the  advantages  of  our  northern  harbors  and  seaports,  the 
growth  and  prosperity  of  this  commercial  capital,  and 
the  richer  fruits  of  intercourse  and  correspondence, 
v^'hich  are  the  eni'oyments  of  the  present  day. 

One  \vord,  Mr.  President,  in  reference  to  the  charita- 
ble fund  of  this  Society.     And  how  does  it  seem  to  put 


170  Centouiial   Celebration. 

almost  to  vci'y  shame  the  vaunted  liberality  and  con- 
tributions of  later  time  !  It  was  not  of  their  abundance, 
as  now,  but  from  personal  experience  of  privation  and 
suffering,  that  a  few  manly  seamen,  a  ce?itury  cigo^  laid 
the  foundation  of  this  noble  benefaction.  From  their 
perils  upon  the  ocean,  and  the  scanty  recompense  of 
their  hardships  and  their  toils,  they  cheerfully  devoted  a 
portion  of  their  pittance  "  in  relief  of  poverty  and  the 
adverse  accidents  of  life,"  wnth  those  more  dependent 
and  destitute  than  themselves.  It  was  indeed  the  spirit 
of  the  men  and  of  the  age  to  be  disinterested,  self-sacri- 
ficing, and  generous  ;  and  to  these  traits  of  character  in 
our  ancestors  may  now  be  traced  the  origin  of  most  of 
those  public  institutions  of  utility  and  philanthropy, 
^vhich  are  justly  the  boast  and  the  glory  of  our  land.  If 
there  be  one  thing,  above  all  others,  for  which  the  mem- 
ories of  our  fathers  should  be  cherished,  and  their  names 
forever  honored,  it  is  for  founding  the  charities  which 
we  are  permitted  to  administer,  and  planting  the  institu- 
tions of  instruction,  knowledge,  and  beneficence,  which 
it  becomes  the  duty  and  the  privilege  of  this  and  coming 
generations  to  improve  and  to  extend. 

Mr.  Lincoln  said,  in  conclusion,  he  had  understood 
that  the  Society  was  exclusively  composed  of  members, 
who  are,  or  had  been  masters  of  vessels,  or  otherwise 
engaged  in  commerce ;  and  in  reference  to  them  he 
would  offer,  as  a  sentiment : 

The  Interests  of  Navigatio7i  and  Trade  —  Which  must  ever 
be  fostered  and  honored  in  a  community,  where  the  first  fruits 
of  success  in  business  are  consecrated  to  deeds  of  charity,  and 
the  improvement  of  the  moral  condition  of  society. 


Centcn7iial   Celebration.  171 

The  next  regular  toast  was  : 

10.  The  Marine  Corps  of  this  Statio?i  —  With  a  Freeman 
in  command,  subordination  and  discipline  must  prevail. 

Lieut.  Col.  William  H.  Freeman  briefly  responded 
to  this  sentiment,  and  spoke  of  the  kind  feelings  and 
sympathy  which  should  ever  exist  between  seamen  and 
marines.  He  concluded  by  giving  the  follow^ing  senti- 
ment : 

Boston  —  Her  long-established  and  permanent  Associations  — 
good  evidence  of  the  philanthi'opy,  intelligence,  and  I  may  add, 
hospitality,  of  this  Society. 

The  eleventh  regular  sentiment  was  as  follows  : 

11.  Our  Sister  Associations  in  Salem  and  Netvburyport  — 
Co-laborers  in  the  same  holy  cause  —  may  their  efforts  prove 
eminently  successful. 

Capt.  Johnson,  President  of  the  Newburyport  Marine 
Society,  returned  thanks  in  behalf  of  the  Association  he 
represented,  and  gave  a  very  interesting  account  of  its 
rise  and  progress.  It  was  formed  in  1772?  by  the  asso- 
ciation of  six  shipmasters,  v^^ho  contributed  a  guinea 
each  ;  and  from  that  time  the  funds  have  been  accumu- 
lating, until  they  amount  to  seventeen  thousand  dollars, 
and  the  Society  has  been  enabled  to  expend  six 
hundred  dollars  yearly  in  charity  —  all  that  has  been 
required. 

The  Boston  Marine  Society  —  The  first  to  receive  a  charter 
from  the  Provincial  Government  —  may  it  be  the  last  to  be  com- 
pelled to  surrender  to  any  other  government. 

Here  the  President  read  the  following  letter  from  the 
President  of  the  Salem  East-India  Marine  Society : 


172  Ccute  n  n  ial   Celeb  ratio  n . 

Salem,  June  14,  1843. 

Gentlemen  —  I  have  just  received  vour  polite  invita- 
tion to"dinevv^ith  the  members  of  the  Boston  Marine 
Society  on  the  17th  inst.,  in  commemoration  of  the  one 
hundredth  anniversary  of  the  foundation  of  that  Institu- 
tion," and  I  am  extremely  sorry  to  say,  that  circum- 
stances over  which  I  have  no  control,  will  prevent  my 
attendance  on  that  interesting  occasion. 

Allow  me,  however,  in  behalf  of  the  Society  I  have 
the  honor  to  represent,  to  return  you  unfeigned  thanks 
for  thus  extending  to  us,  at  this  tiine,  the  right  hand  of 
fellowship,  and  to  assure  you  that  the  mutual  inter- 
change of  social  feelings  and  kind  intercourse  between 
the  two  societies,  vv'hich  have  mainly  in  view  the  same 
good  and  laudable  objects,  will  ever  afford  us  the  highest 
satisfaction.  Permit  me  to  propose,  as  the  toast  of  the 
"  Salem  East-India  Marine  Society," 

The  Boston  Marine  Society  —  The  great  progenitor  of  all 
similar  societies  throughout  the  Union  —  may  the  prosperity  of 
its  members  be  as  imiversal  as  their  enterprise  and  liberalitj'  are 
unbounded. 

With  high  considerations  and  respect, 

I  remain,  gentlemen,  your  ob't  servant, 

C.  M.  ENDICOTT, 
President  of  the  S.  E.  I.  M.  Society. 

12.  The  Press  Ga7ig — The  great  3?^^^ear  of  sailors  in  olden 
time —  now  their  most  fearless  defenders. 

The  following  letter  had  been  received  from  Col. 
Charles  G.  Greene,  the  editor  of  the  "Morning 
Post,"  and  was  now  read  from  the  Chair. 


Centennial   Celebration.  173 

Boston,   17th  June,   1S42. 

Gentlemen  —  Please  to  accept  my  thanks  for  your 
very  kind  invitation  to  dine  with  the  Boston  Marine 
Society^  this  day.  It  ^vould  afford  me  the  highest  gratifi- 
cation to  be  at  your  board  on  this  agreeable  occasion,  if 
it  were  possible  ;  but  other  engagements,  of  an  impera- 
tive character,  will  deprive  me  of  that  pleasure. 

The  noble  objects  for  which  your  Association  was 
formed,  and  the  liberal  and  honorable  manner  in  which 
your  predecessors,  and  the  present  members  of  the  Soci- 
ety, have  discharged  the  philanthropic  duty  voluntarily 
assumed  bv  them,  must  excite  the  warm  admiration  of 
eveiy  benevolent  heart.  In  the  continuance  and  success 
of  the  Marine  Society,  I  feel  more  than  an  ordinary  inter- 
est, from  the  fact  that  three  of  my  brothers,  for  many 
years,  had  their  home  upon  the  ocean,  and  one  of  them 
now  sleeps  in  its  bosom. 

But,  gentlemen,  lest  I  weary  your  patience,  I  ^^'ill 
conclude  this  hasty  note  by  adding  a  sentiment  which, 
if  you  think  proper,  you  may  hand  to  your  toast-master: 

The  True  Sailot — His  heart  is  as  wide  as  the  domain  he 
traverses ;  his  sympathy  ends  but  with  his  life,  and  his  aid  but 
with  his  power  to  relieve. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen. 

Your  obedient  servant, 
CHARLES  G.  GREENE. 
To  Israel  Whitney  and  others, 

Committee  of  arrangeme^its^  Sc. 

Wm.  Hayden,  Esq.,  senior  editor  of  the  "Boston 
Atlas,"  on  being  loudly  called  on,  responded  to  the 
compliment  to  the  Press,  as  follows : 


1^4  Cc7ite7i7iial   Cclcbi'atioJi. 

He  said  he  rose  to  make  acknowledgment  of  the  toast 
which  had  just  been  announced.  He  expressed  his 
regret  that  no  one  appeared  to  be  present,  but  himself, 
^vhose  peculiar  duty  it  was  to  answer  a  sentiment 
intended  as  a  compliment  to  the  Press.  He  could  have 
wished  that  some  more  able  representative  of  the  pro- 
fession was  there,  to  stand  up  in  its  behalf;  and  even 
if  his  political  opponent,  whose  courteous  letter  had 
just  been  read  from  the  Chair,  had  found  it  convenient 
to  be  present, — although,  Mr.  H.  said,  he  should  not 
have  been  willing  to  surrender  any  political  point  to  that 
gentleman,  yet  he  should  have  freely  yielded  to  him 
the  honor  of  replying  to  this  sentiment,  in  con- 
sideration of  his  superior  ability  to  perform  the 
duty.  Mr.  H.  said  he  professed  to  have  some  little 
taste  in  paintings,  and  he  could  safely  say,  as  he  cast 
his  eyes  around  upon  the  highly  respectable  company 
assembled  at  these  tables,  that  he  had  never  seen  a  better 
mai-liie  view  in  his  life.  He  felt  it  an  honor  to  be  called 
upon  to  address  even  a  few  words  to  so  praiseworthy  an 
Association  as  this  ;  and  if  the  prophetic  hope  expressed 
just  now,  by  the  reverend  gentleman  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  Chair,  were  to  be  realized,  and  the  present  President 
of  the  Association  should  be  called  upon  to  preside  over 
its  deliberations,  its  charities,  and  its  festivities,  for  a 
hundred  years  to  come,  Mr.  H.  begged  the  President  to 
remember,  from  time  to  time,  during  the  whole  century, 
that  the  Boston  Atlas  was  still  in  existence,  and  that  he 
(Mr.  H.)  was  its  editor. 

Mr.  Hayden  said  it  was  well  known  that  the  mer- 
chants of  Boston  \vere  pre-eminently  distinguished,  not 
only  in  this  country,  but  all    the  world  over,  for  their 


-.-A 


Centennial   Celebration.  175 

intelligence,  their  integrity,  their  enterprise,  and  their 
liberality,  They  had  always  been  among  the  most 
generous  and  disinterested  supporters  of  the  public 
newspaper  press,  and  he  had  good  reason  to  know 
that  thev  had  lost  nothing:  of  that  characteristic  of  late. 
He  concluded  by  proposing  the  following  sentiment : 

The  Merchants  of  Boston  —  The  Hberal  and  enlightened  sup- 
porters of  a  free  and  independent  Press. 

13.  Woina7i  —  When  the  gales  of  adversity  drive  us  on  the 
rocks  of  misfortune,  she  is  ever  ready  to  fly  to  our  rescue. 

The  Clergy  —  Although  we  have  young  Christian  leaders, 
they  prove  themselves  veterans  in  their  holy  vocation. 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Young  replied  as  follows  : 
Mr.  President  —  I  suppose  it  is  expected,  as  a  matter 
of  course,  from  which  there  is  no  escape,  that  I  should 
say  something  in  response  to  the  sentiment  just  given. 
iVnd  yet  I  must  frankly  confess  to  you.  Sir,  that  though 
I  see  all  around  me  the  familiar  faces  of  my  parishioners 
and  friends,  I  do  not  feel  entirely  at  home  here.  In 
rising  to  address  you,  in  the  midst  of  so  many  old  ship- 
masters, it  seems  to  me  as  though  I  were  standing  on 
the  quarter-deck  with  the  speaking  trumpet  in  my  hand, 
a  situation  in  which  a  minister  must  feel  as  much 
embarrassed,  as  an  old  salt  in  the  pulpit.  I  can  only 
say,  that  I  esteem  it  a  great  privilege  to  have  been 
invited  to  unite  with  the  Boston  Marine  Society  in  the 
festivities  of  this  centennial  celebration.  Born  and 
brought  up  as  I  was  among  ships,  in  this  glorious  sea- 
port where  we  d^vell,  some  of  my  earliest  recollections 
are  of  the  shrouds -which  I  have  climbed,  and  the  lubber- 
holes  which  I  penetrated,  and  the  yard-arms  along 
which  I  crept  in  my  boyish  days  ;   and  I  esteem  it  one 


176  Centennial   Celebration. 

of  the  greatest  compliments  I  ever  received,  when  after 
preaching  a  sermon,  one  day,  on  the  dangers  and  duties 
of  a  sea-life,  I  was  told,  by  one  of  my  parishioners 
largely  engaged  in  navigation,  that  I  was  the  only 
clergyman  he  had  ever  met  with,  who  seemed  to  know 
or  care  anything  about  a  ship.  It  was  my  good  fortune, 
some  years  ago,  to  cross  the  Atlantic,  with  as  noble  a 
company  as  ever  ventured  on  that  ocean,  among  whom 
were  two  individuals  whom  I  recognize  here  as  members 
of  yoilr  Society.  That  voyage,  Sir,  opened  to  me  a 
new  view  of  sea  life  and  of  seamen  ;  and  from  that  time, 
the  adventurous  navigator,  with  his  hardy  and  weather- 
beaten  crew,  has  been  the  object  of  my  unfeigned 
admiration  and  respect.  Never  until  then  was  I  aware 
w^hat  noble  and  manly  qualities  are  required  in  the  good 
sea-captain  —  what  watchfulness,  what  intrepiditv,  what 
nerve,  what  self-possession  and  presence  of  mind.  In  sea- 
sons of  alarm  and  danger,  he  has  no  time  to  pause  and 
deliberate  like  the  man  on  shore.  The  lives  of  his  crew 
and  passengers  depend  upon  his  deciding  correctly  upon 
the  instant.  A  w^rong  order  to  the  steersman  —  and  the 
ship  is  lost.  The  delay  of  a  moment,  when  the  storm  is 
gathering  —  and  the  squall  rushes  on  and  strikes  the 
vessel  —  and  in  an  instant  the  canvass  is  rent  from  the 
spars,  the  cordage  snaps  like  glass,  and  she  is  left  a 
helpless,  unmanageable  wreck.  It  is  astonishing  with 
what  sagacity  and  far-sightedness  the  sailor  descries  the 
coming  of  the  distant  squall.  The  landsman  on  board 
sees  nothing.  To  his  eye  all  is  calm  and  tranquil.  But 
the  seaman  sees  it  in  the  floating  clouds  and  in  the  far- 
off  ripple  on  the  waves.  He  needs  no  barometer  to  tell 
him.     He  snuffs  it,  he  breathes  it,  he  feels  it  in  every 


Centennial   Celebration.  177 

pore.  Ay,  and  he  is  prepared  for  it.  Calm, '  silent, 
imperturbable,  he  paces  the  deck,  and  gives  his  orders 
as  though  he  trod  the  solid  land.  He  scuds  before  the 
gale,  and  outrides  the  storm.  It  is  an  arduous  and 
anxious  life,  and  a  life,  too,  of  great  excitement  and 
responsibility,  calling  forth  high  moral  power,  great 
courage,  firmness,  and  self-reliance. 
In  conclusion.  Sir,  let  me  give  you. 

The  first  Sea  Captain  —  The  bold  fellow,  who,  with  a  few 
crooked  boards  nailed  together,  a  stick  standing  upright,  and  a 
rag  tied  to  it,  first  dared  to  venture  out  of  the  sight  of  land,  and 
launched  forth  into  the  untried  ocean. 

Capt.  Thomas  C.  Smith  gave  the  following  senti- 
ment : 

l7isurance  Companies — Good  ground  tackling  for  private  prop- 
erty. 

Col.  Joseph  H.  Adams,  President  of  the  New 
England  Mutual  Marine  Insurance  Company,  being 
present,  we  obtained  from  him  the  following,  as  his 
remarks,  in  responding  to  the  above  sentiment : 

Mr.  President  and  Gentlemen  —  I  congratulate 
you,  who  have  lived  to  see  the  one  hundredth  anniversary 
of  this  Society,  and  are  able,  vs^ith  good  health  and 
joyful  hearts,  to  meet  together  on  this  happy  occasion. 

The  centennial  anniversary  is  a  very  convenient  stop- 
ping place  in  the  passage  of  time.  Having  been  thus 
long  on  a  voyage,  it  furnishes  a  good  opportunity  to  call 
all  hands  together  and  to  take  an  observation  ;  to  review 
the  past  and  take  a  glance  at  the  future.  There  is  a 
pleasure  in  retrospection,  where  good  deeds  stand  forth 
as  beacons  on   the   rocky   shores   of  time,  giving  fresh 


lyS  Centennial   Celebration, 

vigor  and  ne\v  animation  to  the  anxious  mariner,  direct- 
ing him  in  safety  to  his  haven  of  rest. 

This  Society  is  well  worthy  its  founders.  Seamen  are 
noted  for  their  open-hearted  charity  ;  their  occupation, 
more  than  any  other,  teaches  them  to  contemplate  the 
uncertainty  of  property,  the  changes  of  fortune,  and  its 
only  proper  uses,  as  a  means  of  happiness  to  each  other, 
and  for  dispensing  good  when  most  needed.  This 
Society  may  be  reckoned  among  the  most  useful ;  con- 
ceived in  kindness,  brought  forth  in  benevolence,  it  is 
now  in  old  age  enjoying  the  full  vigor  of  manhood, 
scattering  its  good  seed  in  every  direction. 

It  has  not  been  my  lot  to  have  crossed  the  trackless 
ocean,  but  I  see  about  me  many  who  have  looked  danger 
in  the  face,  contending  with  that  vexed  element. 

All  men  set  sail  in  fair  weather  ;  but  storms  v^dll  arise, 
tempests  will  overtake  the  mariner.  He  sees  first,  the 
dark  cloud  gathering  on  the  edge  of  the  horizon ;  it 
rushes  on  with  frightful  fury  ;  all  hands  are  called,  the 
yards  are  manned,  the  sails  are  furled  ;  it  strikes  the 
ship,  she  bends  her  stately  form  to  the  blast ;  another 
and  another  succeed;  she  lies  trembling  on  her  beam 
ends,  and  hope  being  nearly  fled,  she  begins  to  right, 
and  struggling  with  the  angry  waves,  she  groans  and 
labors  beneath  her  heavy  burden,  now  rising  on  the 
billow,  then  dashing  into  the  foaming  gulf  as  if  never  to 
rise  again ;  the  thunders  rolling  overhead  and  the 
lightning  flashing  fast,  the  crew  lashed  to  the  deck  to 
prevent  being  s\vept  away  and  made  food  for  fishes ; 
where  is  the  stoutest  heart  that  would  not  be  appalled  at 
such  a  scene?  And  then  the  thoughts  of  home,  a  fond 
wife,  beloved  children,  whom,  should  this  be  the  closing 


\ 


Centen?zial   Celebi-atic^i.  179 

scene,  and  seal  the  book  of  fate,  would  be  left,  not  only 
desolate  but  destitute.  Of  what  Avorth  to  him,  at  that 
moment,  appear  all  his  laden  treasures,  what  his  bags 
of  gold  ?  Would  not  the  recollection  of  the  Marine 
Society  afford  more  comfort  than  them  all  ? 

Where,  but  in  the  bosom  of  a  seamen  should  the  first 
spark  of  charity  b*e  kindled  ?  where  would  it  burn  more 
brightl}'  than  on  the  alter  in  his  heart?  Look  at  the 
unfortunate  ship-master.  He  loses  his  ship  and  perhaps 
his  reputation  for  skill ;  he  seeks  employment,  but 
knowing  no  other  trade,  he  seeks  in  vain ;  at  length, 
despairing,  he  retires  from  out  of  sight,  to  his  scanty 
home,  finding,  too  late  in  life,  that  he  is  doomed  to  eat 
the  bread  of  sorrow,  salted  with  a  poor  man's  tears. 
His  former  friends  forsake  him,  they  pass  by  on  the 
other  side,  fearing  his  importunities,  and  say — alas  !  poor 
fellow  !  His  occupation  is  gone.  How  it  lights  up  his 
countenance  wdien  your  committee  call  on  him,  with 
their  small  donation.  He  feels  once  more  a  man. 
How  does  the  widow's  heart  leap  for  joy,  on  receipt 
of  her  quarterly  stipend  !  It  is  a  blessing  to  receive, 
but  he  who  has  the  power  with  the  heart  to  give,  is 
doubly  blessed.     I  v^ill  give  you  a  sentiment : 

Seamen  —  Pleasant  breezes,  a  prosperous  voyage,  and  happj 
arrival 

"At  that  haven  of  rest,  far  away  in  the  deep, 

Where  the  leaves  never  fade,  and  the  clouds  never  weep." 

The  following  sentiment  Avas  then  given  by  Captain 
JosiAH  Sturgis,  of  the  revenue  service: 

The  Tankee  Sailor —  Qualified  by  nature  and  education  to 
control  the  deck,  occupy  the  desk,  or  grace  the  pulpit. 


I  So  Cc7ite7i7iial   Celebration. 

Rev.  Edward  T.  Taylor  responded  to  the  senti- 
ment. He  spoke  feelingly  of  the  immense  good  done  by 
the  Society,  and  depicted,  in  glowing  colors,  the  many 
happy  countenances  he  had  seen  from  the  effect  of  its 
charities.  He  described,  feelingly  and  beautifully,  a 
ship  on  her  return  voyage,  having  been  dismasted,  and 
her  gallant  commander  consigned  to  the  ocean,  with  the 
^veed  of  the  sea  for  his  winding-sheet,  a  coral  monument 
for  his  tombstone,  while  the  finny  inhabitants  of  the 
deep  pass  and  repass,  doing  honor  to  the  noble  sailor. 
We  regret  our  inability  to  give  the  whole  of  this  gentle- 
man's remarks,  and  fear  no\v  that  we  have  not  done  him 
justice. 

By  John  L.  Dimmock,  Esq.  Our  Absefit  Members  —  May 
prosperous  gales  waft  them  in  safety  to  their  homes,  richly 
laden  with  the  fruits  of  their  industry'. 

By  the  President.  The  Mercantile  Library  Associatio7i  — 
The  seed,  though  recently  planted,  has  produced  sprouts  vig- 
orous and  healthy,  promising  a  rich  harvest. 

Mr.  Thomas  J.  Allen,  President  of  the  Mercantile 
Library  Association,  responded  in  substance,  as  follows  : 

Mr.  Chairman  —  I  thank  you,  in  behalf  of  our  mem- 
bers, for  this  kind  expression  of  your  regard.  As  there 
may  be  those  present  who  are  unacquainted  with  the 
object  of  our  Association,  allow  me  briefly  to  state  that 
it  is  composed  of  the  merchants'  clerks  of  our  city,  and 
has  for  its  object,  the  moral  and  intellectual  improve- 
ment of  its  members,  by  means  of  a  library,  reading- 
room,  literary  exercises  during  the  winter  season,  and  the 
formation  of  a  cabinet  of  curiosities  ;  which  last  has  re- 
cently been  ^ery  considerably  increased,  by  the  addition 
of  the  valuable    collection    belonging   to  your   Society ; 


'    Ce7ite7inial   Celebration.  iSi 

and  I  am  happy  to  have  an  opportunity  to  express  to  you 
our  heartfelt  thanks  for  your  generous  donation. 

The  time  was,  \yhen  a  prejudice  existed  in  the  minds 
of  some,  against  Associations  of  a  similar  character  to 
ours,  on  the  ground  that  reading  and  debating  took 
young  men  from  their  business,  and  puffed  them  up  ^yith 
superficial  knowledge  ;  and  that  "  a  little  learning  was  a 
dangerous  thing : "  reasoning,  perhaps,  upon  the  same 
principle  as  the  Dutchman,  who,  on  being  asked  yvh}'  he 
did  not  send  his  children  to  school,  replied,  "  He  went 
against  this  laming.  He  did  teach  his  eldest  son  to 
\yrite,  and  the  first  use  he  made  of  his  knowledge  \yas  to 
forge  his  father's  name  I "  But  that  time  has  gone  by.  It 
is  our  pride  and  glory  that  the  ship-masters  and  mer- 
chants of  Boston  are  celebrated  all  the  \yorld  oyer,  as 
much  for  their  intelligence,  as  for  their  enterprise  and 
liberalit}'. 

It  appears  to  me,  that  this  high  reputation  can  in  no 
way  be  more  eft'ectually  sustained,  than  in  the  support  of 
these  literary  institutions  by  the  merchants  and  clerks  of 
our  city. 

We  liye  in  an  age  of  Associations.  Where  can  you 
find  a  city  ^yhich  contains  so  many  societies  for  intel- 
lectual cultivation,  moral  reform,  and  charitable  pur- 
poses, as  our  own .?  And  among  them  I  know  of  none 
vs^hich  has  a  worthier  object  than  yours.  For  a  hundred 
years  you  have  gone  on,  unostentatiously  but  effectually, 
relieving  the  wants  of  the  tempest-tossed  mariner,  and 
his  suffering  family  :  and  have  either  set  him  afloat  once 
more  upon  the  ocean  wave,  or  provided  him  with  a 
home,  where  he  might  spend  his  declining  years  in  com- 
fort and  repose. 


1 82  Ccntc7i7iial   Celebration. 

Without  detaining  you  longer,  allow  me  to  ofter  tlie 
following  sentiment : 

The  Boston  Marine  Society — May  its  ability  ever  keep 
pace  with  its  disposition  to  relieve  the  wants  of  the  distressed. 

The  following  letter  from  John  P.  Bigelow,  Esq., 
Secretary  of  State,  was  read  from  the  Chair  : 

Boston,  June    17th,   1843. 
To  the    Comjnittee  of  the  Boston  Alar  in  e   Society : 

Gentlemen — I  regret  that  my  official  engagements 
will  deny  me  the  pleasure  of  accepting  »your  valued 
invitation.  I  feel  that  our  beloved  city  owes  a  very  great 
share  of  its  reputation  abroad,  and  prosperity  at  home,  to 
the  members  of  the  Marine  Society,  and  therefore  look 
upon  the  Association  as  entitled  to  the  especial  respect 
and  consideration  of  all  ^vho  feel  an  interest  in  the  char- 
acter and  fortunes  of  Boston.  Impressed  with  these 
convictions,  I  tender  for  your  acceptance  the  accom- 
panying sentiment : 

The  nth  of  Jtuie —  Memorable  as  the  day  when  the  flag  of 
FREEDOM  withstood  the  first  great  shock  of  war  —  a  fitting  anni- 
versary for  those  who  have  displayed  that  banner  on  the  waves 
of  every  sea,  and  made  known  the  institutions  of  liberty  to  the 
people  of  every  land. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient 
servant, 

JOHN  P.  BIGELOW. 

A  letter  was  also  read  from  Thomas  Dennie,  Esq., 
a  venerable  member  of  the  Society,  containing  an 
expression  of  his  best  wishes,  and  enclosing  the  follow- 
ing sentiment : 


Centeniiial   Celebration.  183 

May  the  funds  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society  for  the  benefit 
of  the  poor,  ever  prove  adequate  to  meet  the  wants  of  all  who 
may  require  their  aid- 

The  follo^ving  sentiment  was  given  by  the  Chair  : 

The  oldest  active  Member  of  the  Bosto?i  Marine  Society  — 
Rich  in  the  estimation  of  all  who  know  him. 

To  this  sentiment,  Benjamin  Rich,  Esq.  responded 
by  the  following : 

American  Ship  Owtiers  and  Ship  Masters  —  Prosperity  and 
support  to  both,  and  a  successful  competition  against  foreigners. 

By  a  Volunteer  : 

Bosto7i  Lofig  Wharf — By  "Degrand's  last  Report,"  welearn 
there  is  no  end  to  it. 

Whereupon  P.  P.  F.  Degrand,  Esq.,  rose  and  spoke 
as  follows : 

Mr.  President,  and  Gentlemen  of  tlie  Society  — 

This  kind  allusion  to  my  name,  so  kindly  received  by 
you,  claims  and  receives  my  grateful  acknowledgment. 
Methinks  I  hear  the  reverberating  sound  of  the  bustle 
of  business  on  this  truly  Long  wharf,  re-echo  avv^ay  to 
the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  even  beyond  them.  Methinks 
I  read,  in  the  book  of  futurity,  that  Boston  is  to  be  the 
heart  and  centre  of  the  pulsation  of  trade  of  this 
immense  continent. 

Mr.  President — The  present  is  indeed  a  befitting 
occasion  to  contemplate  the  grand  results  of  a  chain 
of  steam  navigation,  starting  eastward  from  Boston,  on 
the  sea,  to  the  three  capitals  of  Europe,  and  thence 
penetrating  through  every  part  of  that  continent ;  and 
starting  westward,  from  this  metropolis,  on  the  land, 
across    the    American    empire,    to    India,    and    further 


184  Ce7ite?i7iial   Celeb7'ation. 

onward,  encircling  the  globe.  In  celebrating  the  birth- 
day of  the  Boston  Marine  Society,  may  we  not  indulge 
the  belief  that  we  are,  in  fact,  celebrating  the  birth-day 
of  this  o^reat  system  ? 

Mr.  President  —  In  tracing  cause  and  effect,  we  are 
struck  with  the  persevering  character  of  the  first  mem- 
bers of  this  Society,  who  began  in  1743,  with  only  nine 
associates,  and  during  the  whole  of  the  first  year, 
received  no  accession  of  members,  and  the  next  year 
of  only  ten  new  members  ;  but  who,  never  despairing, 
Yankee-like,  persevered  until  they  have  caused  the 
influence  of  the  Society  to  be  felt  throughout  the  nation 
and  throughout  the  world. 

It  cannot  be  denied  that  such  a  Society,  at  such  a 
central  point,  composed  of  such  men,  having  for  its 
object,  at  this  early  stage  of  the  navigation  of  the 
country,  the  improvement  of  that  navigation,  and  the 
relief  of  the  distress  of  the  mariner's  widow^  and  his 
fatherless  children,  must  have  contributed  eminently  in 
forming  the  character  of  the  American  seaman.  Of  that 
character  I  will  now  speak,  and  of  its  impress  on  the 
destiny  of  the  country,  both  in  peace  and  in  war. 

It  is  a  singular  coincidence  that  the  anniversary  of  the 
birth-day  of  this  Society  (the  17th  June)  should  also  be 
the  anniversary  of  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill ;  of  that 
great  battle,  which  taught  the  American  people  that 
their  fire  was  fatal  to  the  enemy ;  and  it  is  no  less 
singular  that  the  day  ended,  by  the  retreat  of  the 
American  force,  for  the  want  of  ammunition  ; 
which  so  forcibly  reminds  us  that  this  wa7it  was 
supplied  by  the  A?nerica)i  sea??za?i.  It  is  known  to 
you  all  that  the  battle  of   Bunker  Hill,  gloriously  won 


Centeiinial   Celebrationis  1S5 

several  times  throughout  the  day,  was  lost,  at  its  close, 
for  \vant  of  ammunition,  and  for  no  other  cause.  It  is 
also  w^ell  known  to  you  that  Gen.  Washing-ton  had  to 
resort  to  the  expedient  of  carting  barrels  of  sand,  in 
yiew  of  the  enemy,  to  Dorchester  Heights,  to  make  the 
British  Commander  believe  that  he  had  powder,  when, 
in  fact,  he  had  it  not.  Can  the  nation  then  be  too 
grateful  to  the  American  seaman,  for  the  timely  supply 
of  ammunition,  which  his  bravery  took  at  sea  from  the 
enemy,  and  brought  in,  just  at  the  moment  of  despair 
in  the  fate  of  the  Revolution.^  Can  the  nation  be  too 
grateful  for  the  then  indispensable  supply  of  cannon, 
muskets,  swords,  pistols,  saddlery,  shot,  bullets,  shells, 
sails,  cables,  anchors,  blankets,  shoes,  sugar,  coffee, 
hardware,  cloths,  and  other  articles,  w^hich  the  intre- 
pidity of  the  American  seaman  seized  on  the  ocean,  and 
brought  into  port,  in  aid  of  the  v^^ants  of  the  country, 
during  the  darkest  and  most  trying  periods  of  the 
revolutionar}"  v^^ar } 

Mr.  President — Not  less  glorious  or  useful  to  the 
country  was  the  conduct  of  the  American  seaman, 
during  the  war  of  181 2-15.  When  the  surrender  of  our 
northwestern  army,  without  firing  a  gun,  had  covered 
the  American  name  w^ith  shame,  and  the  nation  with 
gloom  —  who,  more  than  the  American  seaman,  con- 
tributed to  change  the  scene,  by  the  capture  of  the 
Guerriere  —  of  the  enemy's  fleet  on  Lake  Erie  and 
Lake  Champlain  —  and  of  many  other  vessels  of  w^ar, 
and  by  the  capture  of  upwards  of  two  thousand  of  the 
enemy's  merchant  vessels.-^  And  this  too  done  by  "a 
few  fir-built  frigates,  with  a  stripe  of  bunting  at  their 
head,"   contending,    at    fearful    odds,    against    the    then 


i86  Centennial   Celebi'ation. 

mistress  of  the  ocean,  with  her  thousand  ships  of  war. 
And  don't  you  recollect,  Mr.  President,  that  a  New- 
England  boy,  a  brother  of  one  of  your  members,  in 
command  of  the  "True  Blooded  Yankee,"  was  at  that 
time  the  terror  of  the  British  Channel,  causing  insurance 
to  rise  occasionally  to  twenty-five  per  cent,  on  the  very 
coast  of  England  ? 

Mr.  President  —  Who,  more  than  the  American 
seaman,  contributed  to  give  us  an  honorable  peace  in 
1815  ;  and  to  secure,  thenceforth,  respect  to  the  Ameri- 
can flag?  Who  is  it,  that,  more  than  the  American 
seaman,  has  made  in  time  of  peace,  the  wants  and  the 
productions  of  every  clime,  tributary  to  the  wealth  and 
comfort  of  our  farmers,  manufacturers,  merchants,  and 
mechanics,  and  indeed  of  all  our  population?  Who, 
more  than  the  American  seaman,  has  contributed  to 
advance  the  great  art  of  ship-building  and  seamanship, 
and  has  added  more  to  the  knowledge  of  previously 
unexplored  portions  of  the  globe  ?  Who,  more  than 
the  American  seaman,  has  contributed  to  form  the  high 
character  of  the  merchants  of  Salem,  Boston,  New  Bed- 
ford, Nantucket,  and  other  ports  of  the  Union? 

Mr.  President  —  The  first  introduction  of  steam  navi- 
gation, in  Great  Britain,  was  that  of  steam  packets 
between  Holyhead  and  Ireland.  Who  do  you  suppose 
introduced  it?  It  was  a  Nantucket  sailor  boy,  then  an 
officer  in  the  British  navy,  and  a  member  of  Parliament, 
having  just  returned  from  a  visit  to  his  native  country, 
during  which  he  had  been  carried  in  a  steamboat  from 
New  York  city  to  Providence,  R.  I.  It  is  from  this 
germ  of  steam,  (itself  the  offspring  of  Fulton's  inven- 
tion,)   that  has  arisen  the  whole  of  the    coastwise  and 


Centennial   Celebration.  187 

ocean  steam  navigation,  which  now  pervades  every  por- 
tion of  the  globe,  and  which  is  producing  a  complete 
revolution  in  the  art  of  navigating  the  ocean,  for  the 
purposes  both  of  peace  and  of  war.  Already  the  Euro- 
pean continent  is  awakening  to  its  importance.  Let  us 
now  resolve  that  our  own  government  shall  no  longer 
neglect  to  give  to  the  country  the  full  benefit  of  this 
American  invention.  In  time  of  war,  we  must  be  armed 
on  this  system,  or  be  content,  not  only  to  abandon  the 
ocean,  but  also  to  leave  our  v^hole  seacoast  to  the  tender 
mercy  of  the  enemy.  It  is  only  by  adopting  this  system 
and  acting  under  it,  for  the  conveyance  of  the  mail  on 
the  ocean  ;  for  revenue  cutters  ;  for  naval  steam  schools, 
and  for  squadrons  of  observation,  that  we  can  be  pre- 
pared to  command  success  in  war,  or  (what  is  far  prefer- 
able) to  command  a  continuance  of  honorable  peace. 

Mr.  President  —  For  want  of  time,  I  must  leave  untold 
thousands  of  facts  which  rush  on  my  mind,  presenting 
the  American  seaman  as  a  generous  being,  whose  life  is 
one  of  continual  usefulness  to  the  country.  Allow  me, 
then,  to  propose  to  you,  in  conclusion,  the  following 
sentiment : 

The  Boston  Marine  Society — The  early  pioneer,  whose  bea- 
con-light has  led  onward  the  welfare  of  the  American  people, 
and  the  glory  of  the  American  name,  through  peace  —  through 
prosperity  —  through  adversity  —  through  war  —  through  revo- 
lution. May  the  country  never  forget,  that  to  cherish  the  Amer- 
ican seaman  is  to  cultivate  a  never-failing  source  of  its  pros- 
perity. 

The  Postjnaster  of  Boston  —  If  all  our  public  servants  are  as 
faithful,  we  shall  hear  of  no  defaulters. 

To  the  above,  George  William  Gordon,  the  post- 
master, briefly  replied,  and  offered  the  following  senti- 
ment : 


1 88  Centennial   Celebration. 

The  Boston  Marme  Society — An  anchor  of  hope  and  a  bea- 
con-light of  comfort  to  the  sailor's  widow  and  orphan  children. 

The  Mariner's  Guide,  the  Light-house — "A  star  on  life's 
tremulous  ocean."  He,  who  has  trimmed  and  kept  burning 
these  landmarks  on  our  coast,  is  now  present.  May  his  can  of 
oil  never  be  empty. 

Capt.  WiNSLow  Lewis  replied  to  the  above,  and 
offered  the  following  sentiment : 

The  Benefactors  of  the  Boston  Marine  Society — The  gratitude 
of  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  will  forever  hallow  the  memory  of 
the  dead,  and  bless  those'who  live  to  witness  the  good  which 
their  bounty  has  effected. 

By  John  L.  Dimmock.  —  The  Active  Members  of  the  Boston 
Mari?ie  Society — They  are  the  working  bees  of  the  hive;  by 
their  toil  the  wants  of  the  whole  community  are  supplied. 

By  Capt.  Thomas  Milton,  of  Edgartown.  Cape  Cod — Al- 
though a  barren,  sandy  soil,  it  has  furnished  Boston  with  numei'- 
ous  specimens  of  rare  mental  fruit. 

The  oldest  Association  in  Boston,  the  Society  of  Merchajit 
Tailors — Their  tailor  fathers  did  well,  our  Father  Taylor  does 
better. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Society  —  May  our  Lamb  never  want 
for  Mint  sauce. 

The  Master  Mariners  of  Nexv  England — Always  foremost  to 
jeopardize  their  lives  and  fortunes  for  their  country's  honor. 

The  Sailors  Widozv  —  Whatever  becomes  of  the  Captain, 
we  shall  always  remember  the  Sailor's  Mate. 

The  Boston  Marine  Society  —  Honorable  for  its  antiquity,  as  it 
is  benevolent  to  those  of  the  distressed  and  honored  families  of 
those  who  have  required  its  aid.  May  the  Society  ever  exist, 
the  pride  of  Boston,  as  it  is  composed  of  its  sailor  merchants. 

The  memory  of  William  Starkey  ajid  his  Associates,  the  found- 
ers of  this  Charitable  Institution  —  The  widows  and  the  father- 
less will  rise  up  and  bless  their  memories. 


^  CeJitennial   Celebration.  189 

Those  who  were  present  on  this  glad  occasion  will 
often  recur  to  it,  in  their  progress  through  life,  as  one  of 
great  interest  and  enjoyment.  The  festal  scenes  were 
enlivened  by  several  excellent  songs,  sung  with  much 
taste  and  effect  by  George  H.  Andrews,  Esq.  Indeed, 
good  feelings,  generous  thoughts,  mirth,  wit,  and  humor, 
prevailed  at  the  table,  and  caused  old  Time  to  glide 
quickly  by.  At  an  early  hour,  half-past  seven  o'clock, 
the  company  separated,  pleased  with  themselves,  each 
other,  and  the  w^orld.  But  as  the  sun  sank  calmly  to  rest 
beneath  the  clear  western  horizon,  they  could  not  repress 
a  slight  feeling  of  sadness,  like  the  shadow  of  a  cloud 
passing  over  a  sunny  landscape,  that  ere  another  cen- 
tennial celebration  of  the  Society  shall  take  place,  not 
only  all  those  who  were  present  at  the  festival,  but 
nearly  all  those  who  now  inhabit  the  earth,  will  have 
passed  away. 


Surviving   Members 


of  the 


Celebration   of    1842 


Maritie  Members. 
Captain  Eleazer  E.   Bradshaw, 

"  Albert  x\.  Burwell, 

"  Henry  Barber, 

"  Nathaniel  Barstow, 

"  David  Crocker, 

"  William  Cushing, 

"  ^John  Devereux, 

"  Robert  B.  Forbes, 

"  Nathaniel  Haniblin,   - 

"  Osborn  Howes, 

"•  Eben  Howes, 

"  Frederick  Howes, 

"  Isaiah  Knowles, 

"  James  Murdock, 

"  John  A.  Paine, 

"  C  Thomas  C.   Smith, 

"  -Thomas  C.   Stoddard, 

"  William  Symmes, 


Time  of  Joining. 

-     August,   1821 

February,  1S40 

February,  1840 

May,  1842 

February,   1838 

February,   1838 

February,   1833 

December,    1827 

February,    1838 

November,   1838 

November,   1841 

November,   1841 

May,   1838 

December,   1840 

February,   1840 

April,   1829 

May,   1839 

August,   1839 


Surviving  Afembe7's. 


191 


Ho7iorary  Members. 
Charles  Francis  Adams, 
C.  J.  F.   Binney, 
Robert  Farley, 
Charles  Grinnell, 
Thomas  Lamb, 
William  Perkins, 
Francis  G.  Shaw, 
Philo  S.   Shelton, 
Henry  Wainwright, 


Time  of  Joining. 

August,  1830 

May,  1S39 

December,  1841 

February,  1839 

March,  1839 

March,  1841 

February,  1837 

August,  1839 

1836 


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CHESTNUT  HILL.  MASS. 

Books  may  be  kept  for  two  weeks  and  may 
be  renewed  for  the  same  period,  unless  re- 
served. 

Two  cents  a  day  is  charged  for  each  book 
kept  overtime. 

If  you  cannot  find  what  you  want,  ask  the 
Ivibrarian  who  will  be  glad  to  help  you. 

The  borrower  is  responsible  for  books  drawn 
on  his  card  and  for  all  fines  accruing  on  the 
same. 


